Odisha is globally renowned for its rich heritage of handicrafts and cultural traditions. The state is home to around one lakh sixty thousand artisans engaged in various handicraft activities. Odisha’s art and craft traditions have been preserved through the skills of these talented artisans, many of whom have been practising their craft for generations.
Painting, carving, weaving, and other local resource-based crafts not only strengthen our cultural heritage but also play a vital role in rural economies. Recognising the need for the holistic development of these artisans, both government and private sector organisations are making collaborative efforts, a point emphasised by dignitaries during the Samriddhi Utsav.
Supported by TPCODL and organized by Mahashakti Foundation at Kala Bhoomi, Shilpi Vihar, Gandamunda, Bhubaneswar, the event saw the participation of key dignitaries, including Mr. Pradeep Kumar Ghosal (CSR Head – TPCODL), Mr. Duyanta Tyagi (Commercial Head – TPCODL), Mr. Narendra Nath Jha (Regional Director – TRIFED), Prof. Dr. Debashish Mahapatra (President – Mahashakti Foundation), Mr. Prashant Kumar Mahapatra (Vice Chairman – Utkalika), Mr. Himanshu Pattnaik (Business Manager – ORMAS), Mr. Ambika Prasad Nanda (CSR Head – Tata Steel Foundation, Odisha), Mr. Jugal Kishore Pattnaik (Managing Director – Mahashakti Foundation), Mr. Mohan Baliyarsingh (Director – Mahashakti Foundation), Mr. Gagan Mahapatra (Director – Utkalika), Mr. Narendra Nayak (CEO – OSAFII), Ms. Anita Sabat (Director – Sabat Export). All of them engaged in discussions regarding the challenges and opportunities for Odisha’s artisans.
The Samriddhi Utsav witnessed the participation of over 200 artisans representing crafts such as Palm Leaf engraving, Pattachitra painting, handloom weaving, appliqué work, and Dhokra craft from places like Kakudrapur and Banamalipur (Khordha district), Saptasajya (Dhenkanal district), Lanjigarh (Kalahandi district), and Maniabandh (Cuttack district).
Ten craft stalls were exhibited during the event, showcasing a variety of traditional artworks. During the event, dignitaries also launched the Samriddhi Catalogue and the Kala Patrika (Quarterly Newsletter of Kala Punaruthan) published by the organisation.
The second session of the event focused on deliberations around artisans’ challenges, aspirations, and economic development.
In the afternoon, a cultural program was held showcasing an Odissi Dance performance, following which Ms. Rashmi Pattnaik from TPCODL delivered the vote of thanks. The event was coordinated with the support of Mr. Subham Purohit, Mr. Surajit Pattnaik, Adya Shruti Nayak, Rituparna Rath, and Shiny Khuntia.
