GUWAHATI, July 6 (PTI): A fascinating ‘toy story’ is unfolding in a remote village in Assam’s Baksa district, where a young entrepreneur is bringing together real and fictional characters to create dolls that represent the local culture and motifs, intended for a global audience.
At Zankla Studio in Hazuma, Kirat Brahma is crafting toys with a purpose. These range from dolls depicting historical figures like Gambari Sikla, who fought against the British, to ‘Bodofa’ UN Brahma, an influential student leader in the Bodo-dominated region of Assam. Additionally, there are fictional characters such as Alasi, who pursues higher studies, and little Jarow, a playful character with a sweet tooth.
Brahma explains that the toys are not just for play; they come with stories, some based on reality and others fiction. Even the animal and bird toys have their own narratives. For example, a rhino toy is accompanied by a backstory of how it encounters human habitation during floods and requires empathy from everyone.
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All the dolls are meticulously handcrafted using standard fiber commonly used in soft toys, with local fabrics chosen for their clothing. Brahma also explores the use of organic raw materials as alternatives.
“Our toys come with pamphlets because children have a very creative mind and love stories,” says Brahma, a graduate of the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad.
Having worked on animated short films and other creative projects, Brahma returned to his hometown in Hazuma to be with his family and work for his community. His passion for art and design led him to pursue a venture that combines functionality, aesthetics, and relatability to the local people.
Through his toy designs, Brahma aims to raise awareness about the importance of design in an indirect way. He also wants to provide children with dolls that are more relatable to their surroundings and daily lives.
While pursuing his dreams, Brahma also understands the need for the venture to be commercially viable. Starting with his own savings, he now employs 11 people. Orders for the toys can be placed at the studio or through their website, with deliveries made via courier services.
The response to Zankla Studio’s creations has been positive, with orders coming in from different parts of the country. Brahma is now seeking additional marketing platforms and financial support to expand the business.
In the future, Brahma plans to involve other communities, such as the Rabhas and Garos, in his toy-making business. By encouraging different communities to design toys reflecting their own culture and traditions, he aims to tap into the vast toy market with the right strategies.
As Brahma and his team continue to create their unique dolls, they balance their work with household chores and farming activities, bringing their vision to life and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Assam.
