Paperman Media | Bhubaneswar
The State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC), under the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha, hosted the welcome ceremony for its incoming 2026–27 batch trainees at the Open Air Theatre, Odisha Crafts Museum (Kala Bhoomi), Bhubaneswar. The orientation event marked the commencement of specialized basic, higher, and master level 1 year training programs across key craft disciplines including Pattachitra , Palm Leaf Engraving, Terracotta, Applique, Stone Carving, Wood Carving for 144 trainees . The program commenced at 11:30 AM with guest reception . The formal inauguration, began with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony.
The keynote address was delivered by Smt. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department. In her address, she described the trainees as the true ambassadors of Odisha’s rich handicraft heritage, emphasizing the need to strengthen the entire journey from raw material to the market. She encouraged the trainees to carry Odisha’s traditional handmade products beyond the State and represent its rich craftsmanship on wider platforms in the future. She also extended her best wishes to all the trainees for their successful journey ahead.
Smt. Chinmayee Biswal, Member Secretary of SIDAC, addressed trainees followed by an address by Smt. Nivedita Prusty, IAS, Director of Handicrafts, Odisha. Technical and industry guidance was provided by Sri Kamal Kant Sahoo, State Head Odisha Chapter, FIEO , who spoke on international trade and global market access, and Sri Ranjit Kumar Sahoo, Divisional Manager at Canara Bank, who highlighted financial literacy and credit facilities for young artisans. Successful entrepreneurs Smt. Ushasi Rath (Golden Grass), Sri Ajit Ray (Sabai Grass), and Sri Samir Kumar Rout (Pattachitra) also addressed the batch to share practical business insights. During the event, raw materials and tool kits were distributed among 43 trainees to support their practical coursework. The ceremony concluded with votes of thanks delivered by trainee Miss Sugyani Bhatta .
