From Pattachitra to Stone Carving, 144 Trainees Join SIDAC’s Craft Programme

Bhubaneswar: From Pattachitra and palm leaf engraving to stone and wood carving, 144 trainees have begun a year-long programme at the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC), aimed at building skills in Odisha’s traditional craft forms and preparing them for future opportunities.

The 2026–27 batch was formally welcomed at a ceremony held at the Open Air Theatre of Odisha Crafts Museum, Kala Bhoomi, in Bhubaneswar. The trainees will receive basic, higher and master-level training in six disciplines — Pattachitra, palm leaf engraving, terracotta, applique, stone carving and wood carving.

The orientation also focused on connecting traditional craftsmanship with market opportunities. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, said trainees would play an important role in carrying Odisha’s craft heritage to wider platforms.

Describing them as ambassadors of the state’s handicraft traditions, she emphasised the need to strengthen the entire journey of a craft product, from raw material to the market. She encouraged the trainees to take Odisha’s handmade products beyond the state and represent its craftsmanship in wider markets.

The programme also brought industry and financial sector perspectives to the trainees. Kamal Kant Sahoo, State Head of the Odisha Chapter of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), spoke about international trade and access to global markets. Ranjit Kumar Sahoo, Divisional Manager at Canara Bank, discussed financial literacy and credit facilities for young artisans.

Entrepreneurs Ushasi Rath, associated with golden grass products, Ajit Ray of the sabai grass sector and Pattachitra artist Samir Kumar Rout shared their experiences of building craft-based businesses and offered practical insights to the new batch.

SIDAC Member Secretary Chinmayee Biswal and Director of Handicrafts Nivedita Prusty also addressed the trainees.

To support hands-on learning, raw materials and tool kits were distributed among 43 trainees during the ceremony. The programme began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and concluded with a vote of thanks by trainee Sugyani Bhatta.

SIDAC functions under the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of the Odisha government and works towards skill development and the promotion of traditional crafts across the state.