Entrepreneur from Bokakhat Empowers Local Artisans with 'Kola Bastra'

Bokakhat: In an inspiring example of self-driven enterprise, a young man from Bokakhat, Devpratim Bora, has launched a clothing manufacturing unit named ‘Kola Bastra’ (Black Cloth), marking a significant step towards rural economic empowerment. What began as a solo effort is now a growing textile venture that has already provided employment opportunities to numerous men and women in the region. Despite the challenges of starting a manufacturing business from scratch, Devpratim has made Kola Bastra a promising hub for high-quality yet affordable clothing. Speaking about the motivation behind his initiative, Bora emphasized the plight of skilled artisans who are often forced to migrate to other states for work. “If we can provide stable employment opportunities here, our people wouldn’t have to leave their families and homes behind,” he said. The impact is already visible. Several local wholesale traders have begun sourcing garments from Kola Bastra, reselling them in broader markets. Moreover, the unit’s success has encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to launch their own small-scale clothing businesses, inspired by Devpratim’s model. Kola Bastra has firmly rooted itself in Bokakhat’s economic landscape, and future plans include expanding to online platforms, allowing the brand to reach a wider customer base. Devpratim Bora’s journey is a shining example of how local enterprise, when driven by vision and commitment, can lead to sustainable development and self-reliance within rural communities.