14th Annual Foundation Day of Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha Celebrated with Grandeur at Phulban
Phulbani ( KCN):
Artisans and weavers are the pride and identity of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. Their problems should be addressed through dialogue and constructive discussions rather than agitation. Jajpur MP Dr. Rabinarayan Behera assured that he would act as a bridge between the artisans and weavers and the State Government to resolve their long-pending issues.
Dr. Behera was speaking as the Chief Guest at the 14th Annual Foundation Day celebration of Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha, held with great enthusiasm at Parijat Kalyan Mandap, Phulbani. Emphasising the uniqueness of Odisha’s traditional art and craftsmanship, he said that the state’s handloom and handicraft sectors have been important sources of employment and have contributed significantly to strengthening the rural economy for generations.
He assured the gathering that he would draw the attention of the State Government towards providing monthly financial assistance to artisans and weavers and ensuring the effective functioning of the Odisha Handloom and Handicrafts Development Council.
Addressing the gathering, Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha President Uday Mohanty strongly criticised the reported move by the State Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department to transfer the Council’s state headquarters at Ghatikia, along with its halls and other facilities, to the National Gallery of Modern Art under the Union Ministry of Culture.
He urged the State Government to immediately withdraw such a proposal and constitute the governing board of the Council to ensure its proper functioning. He warned that the Mahasangha would launch a state-wide agitation if the demands were not addressed.
Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantaray, National President of Rashtriya Patrakar Mahasangha and Editor-in-Chief of The Kalinga Chronicle, attended the programme as a distinguished guest. He highly appreciated the efforts of Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha towards the overall development and welfare of the state’s artisans and weavers. He emphasised that unity among artisans and weavers was essential for the growth, protection and prosperity of this traditional community.
Delivering the keynote address, Boyanika Chairman Prakash Chandra Meher described artisans and weavers as the principal contributors to the Swadeshi movement. He stressed the need to preserve Odisha’s traditional weaving and handicraft heritage while introducing innovative designs in accordance with changing market demands.
Other distinguished guests present on the dais included Uday Mohanty, President of Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha; Srikanta Srichandan, Assistant Director, District Handicrafts Office, Kandhamal; tribal researcher Suryakanta Padhi; Sudhanshu Sekhar Dhada, former Deputy Director (News), Doordarshan; Sanjukta Bisoyi, President of the Kandhamal District unit of the Mahasangha; and Sarojini Das.
Major Demands for the Welfare of Artisans and Weavers
Conducting the proceedings, Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha Secretary Priyaranjan Kar placed three major resolutions before the gathering. These included:
Effective implementation of the Mukhyamantri Baristha Bunakar O Karigar Sahayata Yojana (Chief Minister’s Senior Weaver and Artisan Assistance Scheme).
Immediate constitution of the governing board of the Odisha Handloom and Handicrafts Development Council.
Enhancement of the State Budget allocation for the handloom and handicrafts sector to Rs. 5,000 crore.
The gathering expressed serious concern over the State Government’s alleged failure to respond positively to the repeated representations submitted by the Mahasangha.
Several other demands were also raised for the comprehensive welfare and socio-economic development of artisans and weavers. These included allotment of homestead land to landless artisans, scholarships for their children, interest-free loans, life insurance coverage, establishment of an artisans’ hostel in Bhubaneswar for temporary accommodation, creation of an Artisan Welfare Fund, establishment of dedicated artisan markets along national highways and declaration of new Shilpi Villages.
The Mahasangha also demanded the supply of tasar silk, cotton yarn and dyes to weavers at subsidised rates and the availability of raw materials to artisans at affordable prices.
Artisan Excellence Awards Presented
On the occasion, the Mahasangha conferred its prestigious annual awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to traditional art, weaving and artisan welfare.
Shilpi Shree Award: Banu Nayak, renowned Dhokra artisan from Barkhama in Kandhamal district.
Bayan Shree Award: Sinde Wadaka, Dongria Kondh weaver from Khajuri in Rayagada district.
Shilpi Sakha Award: Sumitra Padhi, art researcher and writer from Bhubaneswar.
Shilpi Sahayogi Samman: Pahada, a leading voluntary organisation from Phulbani, and Movement for Urbanisation, Cuttack, in recognition of their long-standing contributions to artisan development.
A special handicrafts exhibition showcasing the artistic creations and traditional craftsmanship of local artisans was also organised as part of the celebration.
Kalpana Rana, Prashant Behera, Kalpataru Panda, Bhaskar Maharana, Sagar Nayak, Jatia Nayak, Malati Kahnar and Sushama Maharatha played significant roles in organising the event.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Alok Behera, Secretary of the Kandhamal District unit of Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha.
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