Marking a significant step toward preserving and modernizing traditional craftsmanship, the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) hosted an orientation and welcome ceremony for its incoming 2026–27 batch of trainees today at the Open Air Theatre of the Odisha Crafts Museum (Kala Bhoomi), Bhubaneswar.
Operating under the aegis of the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha, the SIDAC Training Centre of Excellence officially inducted 144 trainees into its rigorous one-year basic, higher, and master-level training programs. The batch will undergo specialized hands-on instruction across iconic indigenous disciplines, including Pattachitra painting, Palm Leaf Engraving, Terracotta, Applique work, Stone Carving, and Wood Carving.
The ceremony commenced at 11:30 AM with a warm guest reception, followed by a formal inauguration marked by the lighting of the traditional lamp.
Delivering the keynote address, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, hailed the incoming trainees as the true cultural ambassadors of Odisha’s rich heritage. Emphasizing a holistic approach to craft development, she urged stakeholders to streamline and strengthen the supply chain—from raw material sourcing to market integration.
”You hold the responsibility of taking Odisha’s handmade traditions beyond state boundaries and showcasing our craftsmanship on global platforms,” Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar stated, extending her best wishes for their upcoming educational journey.
The trainees were also addressed by Chinmayee Biswal, Member Secretary of SIDAC, alongside Nivedita Prusty, Director of Handicrafts, Odisha. Both leaders highlighted the government’s commitment to creating sustainable artisan livelihoods through high-quality technical skill building.
To ensure the new batch develops strong commercial acumen alongside creative skills, the orientation integrated key technical and industry insights:
- Global Trade & Export: Kamal Kant Sahoo, State Head of the Odisha Chapter at the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), guided trainees on international trade standards and accessing overseas markets.
- Financial Literacy: Ranjit Kumar Sahoo, Divisional Manager at Canara Bank, discussed credit facility frameworks, banking infrastructure, and financial management tailored for young artisans.
- Entrepreneurial Insights: Renowned craft entrepreneurs—Ushasi Rath (Golden Grass), Ajit Ray (Sabai Grass), and Samir Kumar Rout (Pattachitra)—shared practical business management experiences and market integration strategies.
As part of the government’s initiative to enable immediate practical training, essential raw materials and specialized toolkit sets were distributed to 43 trainees during the event.
The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note with a formal vote of thanks delivered by incoming trainee Sugyani Bhatta, expressing gratitude on behalf of the 2026–27 batch.
