‘Stand By Me’: How Franco Mulakkal Case Survivor Sister Ranit And Two Nuns Built A Clothing Venture
For Sister Ranit and two fellow nuns who stood by her during her legal battle against former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, tailoring began as a means of survival.
Today, it has grown into a clothing venture that they say not only provides them with financial independence but also helps them continue their fight for justice.
The journey began in 2018, when Sister Ranit, a nun from Kerala, filed a complaint against then Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accusing him of sexually assaulting her multiple times between 2014 and 2016.
The case became one of the most prominent sexual assault cases involving a Catholic bishop in India. Mulakkal was arrested in September 2018, while the trial began in 2019.
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In January 2022, a Kottayam court acquitted Mulakkal of all charges. The survivor and the Kerala government later challenged the acquittal before the Kerala High Court.
While the legal battle continued, the nuns who supported Ranit say they faced difficulties within the convent.
According to the sisters, their financial assistance was stopped in 2023. With their regular support withdrawn, they were forced to look for ways to earn a living.
Two of the nuns hold Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees and tried to find internships and employment. However, they say securing opportunities was difficult because of their association with the case.
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With limited options, they turned their tailoring skills into survival.
Using sewing machines obtained with the help of well-wishers, the sisters began making small products like nightdresses, churidar tops, co-ord sets, bags, table mats and runners.
The initiative eventually became ‘Stand By Me’, a clothing venture launched by Sister Ranit along with Sisters Alphy and Ancitta.
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The name itself reflects the circumstances that brought the three women together.
The venture started on a small scale with a few sewing machines. It has since grown to include multiple machines and employees. The sisters now sell their products through social media platforms and exhibitions.
For Ranit, Alphy and Ancitta, however, Stand By Me is not simply a business venture.
The clothing initiative has become a means of achieving financial independence at a time when, according to the sisters, they were left without the financial support they had previously received.
More importantly, they say the income generated through the venture also helps them sustain their continuing legal fight for justice.
