Once upon a time, amidst the bustling streets and hidden shadows of Kolkata, a profound artistic movement emerged. It began with Leena Kejriwal, a photographer and installation artist whose sensitivity to the plight of millions of girls lost to sex trafficking sparked a passionate response through her artwork.
Leena’s journey began with initial exhibitions and multi-layered installations in gallery spaces. However, she soon realized the limitations of speaking only within those walls. Her desire to reach the masses and transcend language barriers led her to create a powerful public artwork: the Missing silhouette. These larger-than-life black silhouettes of young girls against urban backdrops served as sharp reminders of the black holes into which millions of girls disappeared into the dark world of prostitution.
In 2014, Leena Kejriwal launched the MISSING Public Art Project, unveiling it at the India Art Fair. The project’s impact was immediate, capturing the attention of international and national media, and going viral on social platforms. The Missing silhouette became more than art; it became a national symbol representing the millions of missing girls trafficked every day, never to be found.
““It was an amazing experience to get introduced into the world of social sciences by Catalyst. The journey was both informative and interesting. I am extremely grateful”
Aparajita Chatterjee : Mentored at Catalyst while pursuing her Bachelors and converted Masters in Education, Azim Premji University; Project Associate in ‘Missing Awareness and Safety School Program (MASSp); a first of its kind online and offline safety awareness designed to address the personal safety concerns and empowerment needs of adolescents.
The project’s growth led to the formation of the Missing Link Trust, where art and technology converged to engage people in innovative ways. The trust’s campaigns focuses on educating and empowering the public, challenging them to become anti-trafficking catalysts in society.
However, the fight against sex trafficking now extends beyond physical spaces. With the emergence of online child abuse as a dark underbelly of the digital world, the need for immediate attention becomes apparent. India, with its young and vast digital population, faces the harsh reality of being the highest producer and consumer of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This epidemic demands united action to safeguard children’s safety online and protect their innocence from exploitation.
Missing Link Trust is now registered under the Social Stock Exchange of National Stock Exchange (NSE) that aims to provide a regulated platform for social enterprises like MISSING to raise funds and expand their impact. It facilitates a synergy between investors and investees in social aims, promoting performance-driven philanthropy and offering additional avenues for social enterprises to thrive.
Emergence of Social Stock Exchange Concept in India
Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman as part of the Budget Speech for FY 2019-20 proposed the idea of an electronic fund-raising platform “Social Stock Exchange”, under the regulatory ambit of SEBI for listing social enterprises and voluntary organizations working for the realization of a social welfare objective so that they can raise capital as equity, debt or as units like a mutual fund.
Objectives of the Social Stock Exchange:
Regulated platform that brings together social enterprises and donors
Facilitate funding and growth of social enterprises
Enabling mechanism to ensure robust standards of social impact and financial reporting
About Social Stock Exchange
The Social Stock Exchange segment on NSE provides Social Enterprises (Non-profit organizations (NPOs) and For-profit enterprises (FPEs)) engaged in eligible activities a unique opportunity to register itself and raise funds on a recognized exchange platform.
A Social Enterprise i.e., a Not-for-Profit Organization (NPO) or a For Profit Social Enterprise (FPE) fulfilling the eligibility conditions as specified in SEBI ICDR Regulations or as specified by SEBI from time to time will be permitted to register or list its instruments.
Catalyst have been an excellent experience for me. Saurveswear Sen sir is an excellent mentor as he believes in interaction between teacher and student. Sir is very supportive and always available for all the support and help required.
I joined Catalyst in the month of November, 2021. I was keen to pursue my career in the field of social sector and Catalyst has been the perfect platform for me where I got guidance extensively by both Sauraveshwar Sir and Team. They have a well articulated plan for the aspirants to balance between all the subjects required to focus on for the competitive examinations. Along with Mathematics, Reasoning and Vocabulary, we had a separate website where we could go through the entire General Knowledge and General Studies which will be useful for the exams. There are separate one - to - one sessions as well by Sauraveshwar sir himself along with doubt clearing classes. We also attended various seminars and workshops on the prevailing social issues and on the solutions so as to curb it down. It has been a wonderful experience with Catalyst!
Catalyst has literally been the path of direction in leading me into my area of actual interests and especially fully utilize my potentials. It provides a vast source of resources in terms of networking, all the the necessary updates in the social sector. Saureshwar sir has been the most humble mentor, and has been supportive even beyond the course and been in touch continuously. Catalyst has been a great decision in my life for sure!
Catalyst has been a great experience for me. Sauraveswar sir is an incredible teacher. He teacher us each and every topic with ease and even repeats it for us. He has been available all the time over phone. Whenever I used to feel nervous for vivas or exams I used to call him up. All the topics that came in our exam was explained thoroughly by sir. It was really great journey with catalyst. I can't even imagine that I could enroll myself in Symbiosis. I always used to dream but sir helped me in turning my dream into a reality.
It has been a great learning experience and journey with Catalyst Learning Services. I had enrolled in Catalyst in the year 2014. I was aspiring to study Masters and I required preparations for the competitive examination. The structured academic planning helped me to prepare for the exam. The classes were informative and insightful, and my doubts would be cleared as well. I was given study materials and questionnaires on the concepts taught, that helped me to strengthen my analytical, quantitative and qualitative skills sets. Overall I had a learning experience studying in Catalyst. I was able to pass the competitive examination and the following rounds. I got admissions in the Masters Programme in 2015. I sincerely thank Catalyst Learning Services for helping me in preparations and guiding me in the journey.
I got to know about Catalyst via What's app group. Before joining, they will take an orientation where they will try to understand your requirement and help you to see how can they help you. Going forward it was a smooth journey. They were there on every step and always a call away.
It is a great learning space. It has given me the opportunity to push myself further to the edge at which I never thought I could have ever reach. Thorough learning and exercising has helped me overcome my many fears. Words would fall short to express the gratitude and gratefulness to this place.
I found about Catalyst through a random Google search. At that very time I was not very sure about which career path I should choose that will be best for me. After connecting with Sauraveshwar sir in catalyst. I could get a sense of what I should do next after my undergrad. As I joined catalyst during covid year, it really helped me a lot to get through a lot of entrance exams. The materials provided from catalyst helped me a lot in preparing better for the exams. Also, the guidance I received from sir was very useful not just for the exams but also for life ahead.
One of the best platform to learn and grow in such an amazing atmosphere. I thank the mentor as well as founder Sauraveswar Sen Sir for putting his effort and creating a holistic purview in every students mind who has been with catalyst as he has served the purpose and keeps on doing the same after we have finished our courses as well.
When I first joined Catalyst, I had little to no idea of what I was going to do after graduation. Sauraveshawar Sir guided me day in and day out to help me come to a conclusion about my plans for Masters. It has been a wonderful experience.
Are you interested in a rewarding career with the social sector – sustainability – climate action ? Register for a Career Mapping Session. Here are some ways Catalyst can help you:
Entrance Exam Preparation: Catalyst provides specialised coaching and guidance for various entrance exams related to social sciences, public policy, and development studies. This includes exams for admissions into top institutions like TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), IIT, IIPH (Indian Institutes of Public Health), Azim Premji University, and others. Comprehensive study materials, mock exams, and expert guidance are provided to ensure students are well-prepared.
Career Mapping: Catalyst offers career mapping services to help individuals identify their strengths, interests, and career goals within the social sector. This includes helping students understand the various career paths available, such as social work, public health, development studies, and more.
Skill Development: The social sector demands a unique skill set. Catalyst conducts skill development programs that focus on essential skills like research, data analysis, project management, and communication. These skills are vital for success in roles related to policy analysis, program management, and advocacy.
Internship and Project Support: Catalyst assists students in finding relevant internships and projects within the social sector. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building practical skills and understanding real-world challenges in areas like healthcare, education, and community development.
Interview Preparation: For students aiming to secure admissions to prestigious institutions or land jobs in the social sector, Catalyst conducts interview preparation sessions. This includes mock interviews, feedback, and guidance on how to present their skills and experiences effectively.
Networking Opportunities: Catalyst organises events, workshops, and seminars that provide networking opportunities with professionals and organisations in the social sector. Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth and finding job opportunities.
Mentorship: Experienced mentors from Catalyst provide one-on-one guidance and support to students and professionals. They offer insights into the industry, share their experiences, and help mentees navigate their career paths.
Customised Training: Catalyst understands that individuals come from diverse backgrounds and have different career aspirations. They offer customised training programs tailored to the unique needs and goals of each student or professional.
Continuous Learning: The social sector is dynamic, and professionals need to stay updated with the latest developments. Catalyst offers continuous learning opportunities through webinars, workshops, and access to relevant publications and resources.
Placement Support: Catalyst provides assistance in job placements and fellowships within the social sector. They connect students and professionals with organisations that align with their career goals.
About Catalyst: Since 2011, students and working professionals have been able to successfully craft a career with Bachelors and Masters programmes offered by TISS, Azim Premji University, TERI, XIM, IIT, Nirmala Niketan, NLSIU,Sciences Po, London School of Economics and Political Science, Symbiosis, IIMC, ACJ, XIC, JNU, Ambedkar University et al with capacity building training for development sector at Catalyst.
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