Angul: The Odisha Shilpi Mahasangh organized a Handloom and Handicraft Awareness Camp at the Zilla Parishad Conference Hall in Angul to unite artisans and weavers while promoting Odisha’s handloom and handicraft traditions.
Priyaranjan Kar, State Secretary of Odisha Shilpi Mahasangh, said artisans and weavers represent the cultural identity of Odisha. He pointed out that the sector often struggles because artisans remain unorganized and urged them to work together to solve issues related to raw materials, production, and sales. “If we unite, we can attract government attention and strengthen our economic condition,” he added.
Angul District Council President Babita Pradhan, the chief guest, encouraged everyone to use locally crafted products at home. She said this practice would inspire others to buy local products and help artisans improve their livelihoods. Prakash Chandra Meher, State President of Bayanika, shared details of various government schemes that support weavers and craftsmen.
Other speakers included Sandhya Devi (Head of Ekta Parishad Trust), Santosh Samal (Executive Director, DPF), and Aamir Khan (Social Activist). Odisha Shilpi Mahasangh and the Delhi-based DPF jointly organized the event.
The organization also launched its Angul District Branch during the camp. Participants demanded housing for landless artisans, interest-free education loans, life insurance, artisan hostels in Bhubaneswar, and dedicated artisan haats along national highways. They also requested discounted rates on yarn, dyes, and raw materials.
Artisans from Pallahada, Athamallik, Chendipada, Talcher, Angul Muncipality , Boinda, Jarada, Jarapada, Bankapalasa, Beladula and Jhampuli villages joined the event. A small exhibition displayed terracotta crafts and handloom sarees, attracting visitors and buyers.
Sukant Kumar Rana, Advisor of the Angul Branch, moderated the program and delivered the vote of thanks. After the session, Priyaranjan Kar, Santosh Kumar Samal Director General of D.P.F, Social activist Aamir Khan, and Sukanta Kumar Rana visited artisan workshops in Jarpada village to interact with local craftsmen and understand their challenges firsthand.
