Odisha CM inaugurates 10th Toshali Crafts Mela in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Dec 16: Odish Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday inaugurated the 10th Toshali Crafts Mela at Janata Maidan here. He presented lifetime achievement awards to artisans Gokul Bihari Patnaik, Padma Vibhusan  Raghunath Mohapatra, Debraj Sahoo and Binod Moharana.

Gokul Bihari Patnaik was given lifetime achievement award for his contribution in Tusar silk, Pattachitra and palm leaf engraving, Padma Vibhusan  Raghunath Mohapatra for stone carving, Debraj Sahoo for his contribution in the field of terracotta while Binod Moharana  for Pattachitra and palm leaf engraving. Besides these artisans, nine other were also given state handicraft awards.

Speaking on the occasion, Textile Minister Snehangini Chhuria said the ministry would start construction of a filigree hub in Cuttack in 2016 to train filigree craftsmen and provide support to existing workers by expanding their trade.

At the Mela, 350 stalls have been set up to felicitate 150 artisans and weavers from different parts of the country to display their wares.