More Than a Souvenir: Bags That Carry Hope
🧵 Handmade with Heart at Palluruthy Relief Settlement
The bags we gift our guests aren't just practical—they’re powerful. Each one is handcrafted by women at the Palluruthy Relief Settlement (PRS), a rehabilitation home managed by the Corporation of Kochi.
Originally built in 1941 by the Maharaja of Cochin as an inn, PRS became a shelter under the Vagrancy Act in 1945. Today, it is home to individuals from across India, many of whom have experienced abandonment, mental health challenges, or social exclusion.
🤝 Our Partnership with PCSJ
In 1998, a joint project between People’s Council for Social Justice (PCSJ) and the Corporation of Kochi transformed life at PRS. PCSJ—a socio-legal NGO founded by Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer—supports the residents through:
- Medical and psychiatric care
- Rehabilitation & daily personal support
- Recreation and community care
- Livelihood training programs like this bag-making initiative
✂️ Stitch by Stitch, A New Beginning
This initiative began as a way to occupy the women’s time. But quickly, their hidden talents and passion for stitching came to light. What began as simple carry bags soon evolved into beautiful creations—from functional totes to decorative Kora bags with lacework and handcrafted details.
Now, the women craft with pride, knowing their work has meaning.
🌏 Eco-Friendly. People-Friendly. Purpose-Driven.
By using upcycled and natural materials, the bags are kind to the environment too. Guests who carry these bags support:
- Environmental responsibility
- Social rehabilitation
- Women’s empowerment through craft
🙌 Your Experience, Their Empowerment
When you travel with us, you’re not just exploring Kochi—you’re helping rewrite someone’s story.
Every bag you carry is a message of dignity, resilience, and hope.
💛 Thank You
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your presence helps restore purpose, dignity, and joy in lives that have seen too little of it.