The Debanandpur Project is one of Ratnabala’s first community-led initiatives, created to honour the legacy of Ratnabala and her lifelong commitment to giving back. Based in Debanandpur, a village in West Bengal with a long tradition of textile craftsmanship, this project provides local women with paid creative work, skill-building opportunities, and recognition for their artistry.

Across the community, women gather in a shared workshop space to design, cut, stitch, and assemble handcrafted cloth bracelets made from traditional saree and drape fabrics. What began as a small, homegrown effort has grown into a meaningful source of income and independence for these artisans, many of whom are working outside their homes for the first time.

The bracelets they create are rich in colour, texture, and cultural identity, reflecting the heritage of Bengal and the vibrancy of the women who make them. Through this project, Ratnabala Jewels reinvests directly into the community by providing stable, paid work and supporting women who are building brighter futures for themselves and their families.

From the very first earnings, one mother purchased books for her children’s education. Another young woman began saving toward her education goals. Their stories illustrate the heart of this initiative: small opportunities are powerful, and women’s labour deserves visibility, respect, and fair compensation.

The Debanandpur Project represents the foundation of Ratnabala’s purpose-driven mission: to uplift, honour, and empower South Asian women through meaningful work and sustainable partnerships.