OUR TEAM
Shikhamoni Chetia
Director
With 8 years of dedicated experience as a teacher, 3 years as a compassionate Medical Social Worker, and 1 year as a Senior Public Relation Officer and Faculty at the Cancer Centre Welfare Home and Research Institute, Kolkata, Shikhamoni Chetia is a seasoned expert in her field. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions with an award for her 10 months of voluntary work, where she provided counseling to patients facing physical and mental distress. Shikhamoni holds a Master's degree in Sociology, which complements her profound commitment to social well-being and healthcare.
Abhishek Prakash Paul
Director
Abhishek Prakash Paul has a decade of experience in Design and Manufacturing. He holds a Bachelor's degree in F&LA Leather Design from NIFT, Kolkata, and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Anthropology. Abhishek has further enriched his skills through a Certificate Program in Design Thinking and User Experience at IIT Delhi (2022-2023).
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As an entrepreneur and the proprietor of Cecilia's Leather Artefacts (C.L.A), established in September 2012, Abhishek's primary focus is on designing, manufacturing, and skill development within the indigenous household handicrafts sector. His mission is to enhance workmanship, reduce migration of skilled artisans, and create sustainable and unique industrial environments.
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C.L.A specializes in experience design, offering a diverse range of products including Lifestyle, Space Design, Home Decor, Dining, Kitchen, Desktop Stationery, Small Leather Goods, Handbags, Luggage, Wallets, Belts, and Corporate Souvenirs.
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Abhishek has collaborated with prominent organizations such as Fabindia Overseas Pvt. Ltd., Biswabangla, Manjusha (WBHDC) Kolkata, Kadam-Haat Kolkata, Banglanatak.com, and Baaya Design Mumbai. His expertise encompasses Systems Thinking, Research Methodology, and core Design Development.
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Throughout his career, Abhishek has held various roles, including collections management at Global Vantage in Gurgaon, product design at Hidesign in Pondicherry, and product design/merchandising at Lloyd Baker Manufactory in Kolkata. He also has experience in artisan skill development training programs, making him a well-rounded expert in the field.
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Currently, Abhishek serves as an expert lecturer at N.I.F.T – Patna, further contributing to the promotion of indigenous craftsmanship and sustainability in the design and manufacturing sectors.
Ushoshi Sengupta
Goodwill ambassador & Strategic Partnerships Lead
Ushoshi Sengupta, an inspiring leader and changemaker, brings her dynamic energy and expertise to Tukura Foundation as the Goodwill Ambassador & Strategic Partnerships Lead.
Born in New Delhi and raised in a defence family, Ushoshi seamlessly blends discipline with creativity. A graduate in Humanities from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, she also holds a diploma in Hospitality, Aviation & Travel Management. Her multifaceted career spans achievements in modeling, entrepreneurship, mental health advocacy, and social reform.
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Ushoshi gained national prominence as Miss Universe India 2010, and since then, she has passionately dedicated herself to empowering individuals and uplifting communities. Her accolades include the Banga Baidya Daman Achiever Award (2018), the Women Economic Forum’s Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All Award (2017), and the Bharat Nirman Award for Uplifting the Education Sector (2017), among others.
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As a TEDx speaker and mentor, Ushoshi thrives on inspiring the next generation, embodying the values of leadership, vision, and action that drive the mission of Tukura Foundation.
ZEESHANT BEZBARUAH
Asst. Trainer
Zeeshant Bezbaruah is a production line operator in CLA Proprietorship Manufacturer and has years of experience in bamboo and cane production. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management and has undergone 2 training sessions in Basic Course on Bamboo Technology under Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC, Assam). Zeeshant specializes in Production, Marketing, and Sales, making him a well-rounded professional ready to contribute to the industry.
ANAND CHATTERJEE
Technical Instructor
Anand Chatterjee is a Bamboo Consultant (Mechanical) at the Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC, ASSAM) in Guwahati, Anand brings a wealth of expertise in the field. His contributions span various facets of bamboo technology, including pioneering work in Bamboo Charcoal technology and conducting training programs for international participants, such as training Israel Nationals on Bamboo Technology. Anand has also collaborated with the Architecture Association of Assam, focusing on low-cost bamboo treatment methods. An alumnus of "Sai Ram College of Engineering" in Bangalore, where he earned a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering, Anand further honed his skills through a three-month training program in Bamboo primary processing from CBTC, ASSAM. His areas of specialization include training, design development, and management, making him an invaluable asset in the promotion of sustainable bamboo technology and craftsmanship.