TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) has established its first ‘Anokha Dhaaga’ Centre in Sambalpur, strengthening efforts to preserve traditional craftsmanship while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local artisan communities. The centre will provide free skill development, production support and market access to artisans, particularly women, helping them transform traditional skills into viable income-generating enterprises.
Anokha Dhaaga is a flagship livelihood and micro-enterprise initiative of the Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT), the community-development arm of Tata Power. The programme works with women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), farmers’ collectives, persons with disabilities and local artisan groups, equipping them with skills, enterprise capabilities and market linkages to build sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative has established a significant national footprint, engaging over 15,000 active SHG members across 25 centres and generating more than ₹5 crore in revenue through over 50 business-to-business (B2B) collaborations. Its network also includes more than 2,700 SHGs with over 5,500 producer members.
In Western Odishal, approximately 5,275 artisans across Western Odisha are already associated with traditional crafts under the Anokha Dhaaga programme. The newly established Sambalpur centre will focus on promoting the region’s cultural heritage, including Sambalpuri textiles, bamboo crafts, terracotta and embroidery. It will support artisans through a structured process covering community mobilisation, skill enhancement, product development and production support, helping them improve product quality and develop market-ready offerings.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr Parveen Verma, CEO, TPWODL, said, “Traditional crafts can become sustainable sources of livelihood when artisans are equipped with the right skills and access to markets. Through Anokha Dhaaga, we aim to preserve the rich craft heritage of Western Odisha while enabling local artisans, particularly women, to build independent and sustainable enterprises. The Sambalpur centre is a step in that direction.”
To expand the reach of locally made products, TPWODL is developing a multi-channel marketing network combining direct sales with opportunities to showcase products on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho. These linkages are expected to help artisans access customers beyond Western Odisha and create stronger commercial opportunities.
Beyond traditional crafts, Anokha Dhaaga also promotes sustainable livelihoods through initiatives in smart circularity and other community-based enterprise activities. Its broader interventions include transforming recycled materials into useful products, alongside livelihood opportunities in agriculture and allied activities.
Through the new centre, TPWODL aims to strengthen the ecosystem supporting local artisans by connecting traditional skills with training, enterprise development and market opportunities, while contributing to the preservation and wider recognition of Western Odisha’s rich craft heritage.
