Handicraft Industry Revives

Posted on 28 mar 2008

Orissa was famous for its handicrafts which exhibit the skill and creativity of its artisans. Its brass work, silver work, terracotta art objects, and appliqué work are unique examples of artistic excellence. Orissa's religious inheritance has played one of the most dynamic riles in fashioning the infinite variety of crafts available in the state. Buddhism, Jainism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism have left their imprints on Orissa's ancient arts and crafts as have its strong tribal traditions.

Orissa is considered a divine landmass on the coastal plains of Eastern India is a place where the magic of artisans and craftsmen through their deft hands attains the desired shape. The enthralling craftwork on different surfaces carried out by them, is a perfect medium to get a glimpse of beautiful world of craftsmen's imagination. Even every house is an art factory in this state.

But researchers show that Orissa is now losing its popularity as artisans are getting discouraged owing to lack of available resources.

Mr Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, asked an aid of other states in order to revive the drowning industry. He asked a money loan in order to provide formal trainings to the craftsmen. These trainings will help to develop the handicraft industry from Orissa.

And also these loans would be provided to the artisans for the enhancement of their small scale businesses. Monetary support would also be granted to the self help groups for setting up their own marketing centers.

The Government has understood how much importance has the innovations, which they have to do, among handicrafts.

The Government intends to train nearly 2000 craftsmen per year and for that three training centers are being planned in Balasore, Rayagada and Sambalpur. The trainings will take place not only in Orissa but also in other states. Some of the craftsmen will be sent to other states to learn about different crafts. The Government will emphasize also sufficient supply of raw materials and will setting up of handicraft centers. A handicraft centre will be set up at Kenduli in Khurda district, a laboratory for metal-related crafts with an international marketing centre and a modern packaging centre will also be set up in Bhubaneswar.

The Chief Minister, Mr Naveen Patnaik, is sure that with the Government help Orissa’s handicraft industry will revive.