Kochi: The IT collective called ‘Progressive Techies’ has made and distributed more than 4,000 Chekkutty dolls which are made out of stained and torn handloom clothes of flood-hit Chendamangalam. Inauguration of the distribution of dolls was held on Infopark campus.
The dolls were made under the banner ‘Progressive Techies’ by IT professionals in Infopark and Technopark campuses. Raw materials and training were given to the techies and workshops conducted in eight IT companies in Infopark.
‘We have received more than 5,000 orders for dolls. More orders are on the way. Doll-making workshops are being conducted even on IT campuses outside Kerala like in Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad, though all of them are not under the banner of ‘Progressive Techies,’ said Anish Panthalani, secretary of ‘Progressive Techies.’
The IT collective has also facilitated sale of Chekkutty dolls made by other groups.
During the function, Abhishek Jacob of ‘Progressive Techies’ briefed about the initiative, objectives and functioning of the collective. Dolls have been handed over to those who have placed orders.
Representatives of fishermen organisations who were the heroes during flood rescue operations were honoured. IT companies which provided support to conduct doll-making workshops were also felicitated.
Infopark administrative manager Reji K. Thomas hailed the noble efforts of ‘Progressive Techies’ and promised support to such social initiatives.
‘Progressive Techies,’ started three years ago, has been actively engaged in social, cultural and charitable activities and has members in all IT parks across the state.
