Angul( KCN):
“The unity of artisans and weavers is the backbone of their progress,” said Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha State Secretary Priyaranjan Kar, addressing the Handloom and Handicraft Awareness Camp held at the Zilla Parishad Conference Hall in Angul.
Highlighting that Odisha’s handloom and handicraft heritage is globally admired yet under-recognized within policy circles due to lack of collective representation, Mr. Kar called for stronger unity and coordinated action. “If artisans and weavers strengthen cooperation and raise their voices together, long-standing issues—from raw material scarcity to production and market challenges—can be effectively resolved,” he stressed.
The event underscored that a unified artisan community can transform the sector, ensuring fair access to resources, better marketing platforms, and sustainable livelihoods.
Key Messages from Dignitaries
Chief guest Babita Pradhan, President of Angul Zilla Parishad, urged households to use products crafted by local artisans, asserting that community support boosts market demand and economic stability for artisan families.
Guest of honour Prakash Chandra Meher, State President of Boyanika, highlighted government welfare schemes and support initiatives for weavers, encouraging eligible beneficiaries to avail the facilities.
Other distinguished guests included Sandhya Devi (Ekta Parishad Trust), Santosh Samal (Executive Director, DPF, New Delhi), and Aamir Khan (Social Activist).
Major Demands Raised
Participants emphasized key demands such as:
Housing for landless artisans
Interest-free student and artisan loans
Life insurance & welfare fund for artisans
Artisan hostels in Bhubaneswar
National Highway artisan haats
Discounted yarn and dyes for weavers
Low-cost raw material supply for artisans
Recognition of new “Shilpi Villages”
Program Highlights
The program, jointly organised by Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha and Delhi-based DPF, also marked the inauguration of the association’s Angul district branch. Artisans from Pallahada, Athamallik, Chendipada, Talcher, Angul Municipality and nearby villages like Bainda, Jarpada, Bankapalasa, and Beladula participated.
A small exhibition featuring terracotta crafts and handloom sarees showcased Odisha’s rich artistic legacy.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sukant Kumar Rana, Advisor of Angul District Branch. Afterwards, Mr. Kar, Mr. Samal, Mr. Khan and Mr. Rana visited terracotta artisan workshops in Jarpada village to understand ground-level challenges
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