Handloom transformer of new patterns, Veteran textile designer Lalat Mohan Pattnaik is no more

Bhubaneswar: Known for bringing innumerable changes and transforming Indian handlooms with new patterns, veteran textile designer Lalat Mohan Pattnaik passed away on Monday leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

He was undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for the past couple of days.

Hailing from Haripur, near the enchanting Chilika Lake, Pattnaik harbored a deep passion for art from an early age. After completing his studies in art and paintings at Shantiniketan, he joined the Union Ministry of Textile, collaborating with weavers from different states to revive the handloom sector.

His journey commenced at the Weaver Service Centre in Varanasi, where he devoted 12 years of his career. Subsequently, he served in prominent cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Guwahati, Imphal, and Bhubaneswar.

Weavers nationwide skillfully brought to life numerous designs crafted by Pattnaik, spanning saris and other apparel, each imbued with authenticity.

His creative ideas sparked notable transformations in design, including the incorporation of fresh themes into weaving patterns. Notably, his acclaimed designs ‘Nabarasha’ and ‘Swara Taranga,’ employing the ikkat technique, garnered immense recognition among the weavers of Nuapatna. Additionally, he revolutionized the handloom sector by introducing letters, alphabets, and calligraphic imprints on fabrics.

Numerous weavers, inspired by Pattnaik’s innovative designs, went on to achieve prestigious state and national awards.

In 2022, he was honored with the esteemed Dharmapada Award for the year 2021 by the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi, further solidifying his contributions to the field.