Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday inaugurated the first-of-its-kind craft summit featuring a confluence of pioneering craftsmen, culture, and art enthusiasts at Jajpur to promote Odisha as a global hotspot of tourists.
International delegates from 15 countries have arrived in Jajpur to engage with local artisans and other stakeholders at the crafts summit. Four UN agencies and five UNESCO Creative Cities have partnered with the Jajpur district to realise this ambitious and forward-looking event on behalf of the Government of Odisha.
Joining the programme on a virtual platform, the Chief Minister said it is a historic occasion for Odisha. He said, “Jajpur was the ancient capital of Odisha. With its existing assets of religious tourism, urban tourism and Buddhist tourism, it has the potential to be a major tourist hub. The cultural heritage of Jajpur is reflected in its vibrant art forms.”
Speaking on the cultural splendor of the state, the Chief Minister said, “Odisha is an illustrious land of immaculate art and crafts. Our civilisational journey is a journey of our artistic culture. The artistic skills of our craftsmen are reflected in numerous ways. You can find it in our temples, our sculptures, Buddhist shrines, hand-woven clothes, patta paintings, wood works, metal works…… everywhere. Every village and every lane of Odisha exhibits some form of art or craft. The soul of Odisha lives in our art, craft, music and culture.”
He said that the Government of Odisha is making concerted efforts to develop Odisha as a global hotspot of tourists, provide livelihoods and employment opportunities, and make the state attractive to investors.
Describing the initiatives, he said, “We are developing mechanisms for holistic development of our tourism, handloom and handicrafts sector. We have put in place various policies such as State Tourism Policy, Handicraft Policy, Apparel and Technical Textiles Policy. We are also opening art galleries at different places, organising heritage walks and taking many other initiatives to promote tourism and culture.”
Science & Technology Minister Ashok Panda, Rural Development Minister Priti Ranjan Ghadai, and Handloom, Textile & Handicrafts Minister Rita Sahu participated in the event. They highlighted the cultural heritage of Odisha and its significance in the modern age.
Junhi Han, Chief of the UNESCO Culture Sector for South Asian countries, appreciated the efforts for the promotion of local art, artists and artisans.
Renowned Bollywood actor Dia Mirza also attended.
Jajpur Collector welcomed the guests and Zilla Parishad executive officer presented the vote of thanks.
