In a significant step toward safeguarding Odisha’s rich cultural heritage while boosting livelihoods, the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) today hosted a high-level meeting to finalise syllabi and launch structured training for 15 additional handicrafts.
Chaired by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar and graced by Minister for Co-Operation, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts and Chief Guest. Pradeep Bal Samanta, the gathering brought together senior officials, university representatives, award-winning Shilp Gurus, master craftspersons and industry experts under one roof. Among those present were Director of Handicrafts Nivedita Prusty, SIDAC Member Secretary Chinmayee Biswal, and National & State Award winners including Sudhir Maharana, Rameswar Munda, Bhimsen Khuntia and Purusottam Mahapatra.
Odisha already recognises 64 traditional handicrafts. SIDAC currently runs successful state-level courses in six of them—Appliqué (Chandua), Terracotta, Pattachitra, Palm Leaf Engravings, Stone Carving and Wood Carving. Building on that foundation, the institute has now selected 15 more crafts for systematic training: Coir Crafts, Jute Crafts, Solapith, Coconut Shell Crafts, Lacquer Crafts, Bamboo Crafts, Batik Printing, Tribal Jewellery, Palm Leaf Decoratives, Silver Filigree, Brass & Bell Metal, Seashell Crafts, Papier-Mâché, Saora Painting and Gond Painting.
Selection was guided by market demand, export potential, raw-material availability, traditional significance, presence of skilled masters and employment opportunities. The resulting one-year programme totals 1,500 hours—1,450 practical and only 50 theoretical—covering raw-material handling, design development, quality control, entrepreneurship, digital marketing, project work and internships. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, successful trainees will earn four credit points.
Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta urged artisans to “blend traditional skill with innovation so that Odisha’s unique craft identity shines brighter in national and international markets.” Interactive discussions revealed strong enthusiasm among master craftspersons, who see the courses as a direct path to higher skills, better incomes and financial empowerment.
SIDAC already operates 39 training centres across 26 districts through Guru-Shishya Parampara, Craft Village and Master Craftsperson programmes. With the new curriculum ready, training batches are expected to begin shortly, promising a fresh wave of skilled artisans, improved product quality, stronger market linkages and greater entrepreneurship across the state.
Director Nivedita Prusty closed the meeting with a vote of thanks, marking another milestone in Odisha’s journey to keep its living heritage both vibrant and viable.
