Mustard Seeds is a conceptual project that aims to do small-scale, community-based projects to connect those living inside and outside Kolkata. "The name comes from the mustard seed spice which is an important ingredient in regional Bengali cooking. Although it is a very tiny seed, it gives a potent and delicious flavor to dishes".

…A visit to Mustard Seeds' website is well worth it, and the only way to find out about all their projects. One could say they are all over the place... but when it comes to scattering seeds, that's a good thing!

• Mustard Seeds was started by Maura Hurley and Gautam Basu in a suburb of Kolkata, India.
• Through numerous small networkings, Mustard Seeds works to encourage others to learn about and be involved in many worthwhile NGO efforts going on in Kolkata. It organizes activities in the field of literature/literacy, and supports a number of projects that aim to empower destitute women via sale of their products and donation of proceeds; written commentaries; and visits to the actual sites.
• The very first project was the setting-up of a home-based neighborhood library for young people, where they would have a chance to study, read or be read to, do craft projects, etc. The library also organizes coloring and poster contests with environmental themes, visits to local social welfare projects, etc.
• The publishing of To the Local Bazaar; with illustrations by a traditional scroll artist (patua) from the village of Medinipur, in West Bengal, is another one of their projects (proceeds from the sale of the book and postcard-set go to the artist and her family). More books that incorporate traditional artwork are set to be published in the future.
• Here's a note from Maura and Gautam:

  "Mustard Seeds does not aim to become a huge organization with a central office, but instead to inspire other individuals and families to do something on a small-scale that makes a difference in their community. Why not become a Mustard Seed yourself?  What blooms where you are planted is a creative and never-ending process!"

  
  

Maura Hurley or Gautam Basu

email: mustard@vsnl.com

more on the web : www.geocities.com/cal_mustard