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