Differently-Abled Bakers From Behala Paving Their Way To Our Hearts – Shuktara Cakes
(from Kolkata’s favourite online magazine)
While we have a plethora of bakeries in Kolkata, some stand out and some shine bright but Shuktara is no ordinary bakery; the five differently-abled orphan boys here, can melt your heart with their beaming smile and vibrant professionalism. Some of them can’t talk but they let their handmade cakes and authentic French patisseries do all the talking, which more than just compensates; it overwhelms your senses and touches your soul.
Their silence has made them the talk of the town and praises keeps raining over them for their brilliant work and constant effort to beat all odds and prosper despite their innumerous daily physiological disabilities.
They are baking to make a difference in our city. They are showing the world the example of an inclusive society where they aren’t only accepted wholeheartedly but also encouraged to excel in their endeavor. Their baking skills can undoubtedly put most other bakeries to shame. You have to taste it to believe it.
One of the customers complimented saying, "after eating your cakes, I don’t feel like eating from anywhere else. These are the tastiest cakes I have ever had"
About Shuktara
Shuktara is a charity based in Kolkata that provides care in a home environment to children and adults with disabilities who have been orphaned or abandoned.
Shuktara Cakes is the brainchild of Alain Cojean, who runs a chain of restaurants in Paris called Cojean and a Foundation called Nourrir, Aimer, Donner (Eat, Love, Give). Alain was so deeply touched by the plight of these children that he decided to give them vocational training by starting a French Patisserie training centre. A team of physically challenged boys from the Shuktara shelter home were taught the intricacies of French Patisserie by Fabien Rouillard, former Head Executive Pastry Chef at Fauchon, a gourmet food company in Paris and Shuktara Cakes was officially launched on 10th March, 2013.
The team
The team that works in the bakery, despite being disabled, earns their living through baking traditional French goodies. Sanjay, Bapi and Pinku are deaf-mute, while Ashok and Raju suffer from cerebral palsy.
THE BOYS ARE NOW HONED TO PERFECTION AND THEIR STORY OF SUCCESS IS MOTIVATIONAL AT SO MANY LEVELS
"I have been working here for 3.5 years now. It has been a great learning and growing experience for all of us. Initially I had a little problem communicating with the boys but now we all understand each other very well through the use of sign language. I am very happy working here." – Somnath Sardar, Manager at Shuktara Cakes.
Sign language is the preferred mode of communication among them even though some of them can talk.
Their products
Shuktara cakes serve you with the best quality of French products like Madelienes, Financiers and cakes. Their range of freshly baked cakes include Chocolate cake, Marble cake, Fruit cake, Orange & Poppy seed cake and Ginger Cinnamon & Walnut cake. They also sell fruit cakes.
Madeleines are sponge cakes with a shell-like shape. Financiers contain almond powder and are shaped like ingots. Made from almond meal and pure in every bite; these treat are straight from heaven.
SHUKTARA CAKES OFFERS A RANGE OF FRESHLY BAKED PASTRIES MADE OF NATURAL AND SELECTED HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS.
The fabulous aroma of the freshly baked products coming out of the giant Eurofours oven, overpowers the entire bakery and its surroundings.
Raju Das, one of the special workers in Shuktara Cakes, "I am very happy to work at Shuktara Cakes. Now we can say to people that yes we can also work and earn money. We used to think that we are disable people we can’t work but Shuktara Cakes has given us this opportunity, we feel blessed."
Now you can home deliver lip-smacking treats made by special boys at affordable prices. Orders have to be made at least 48 hours in advance.
by Santana Fell
2 June 2017