FLO Kolkata organized a wellness retreat titled, “Awaken” at Chia Kutir in Kurseong The retreat included practices like yoga, yoga nidra, mindfulness, sound healing, a reflective “Who Am I” workshop, therapeutic art, a meditative trek through the tea estates, and open-heart meditation under the sky. The facilitator of the wellness rituals Manish Pole ensured all the 58 members had a good experience.
The retreat culminated with a visit to the Merryview Tea Factory where the focus on wellness expanded to community care. FLO Kolkata donated 350 educational kits and bags made from recycled waste fabrics to the children of tea garden workers. The chapter also supported skilled local women by donating 4 sewing machines to encourage sustainable livelihoods of 80 women.
The members visited the Merryview Tea Factory and witnessed the process by which tea leaves are processed and packaged and participated in tea tastings organized by the Tea Estate.