By Our Correspondent
PIPILI/BHUBANESWAR:A golden chapter has been written today for the development of Pipili Chandua handicraft, a unique symbol of Odisha’s art, heritage and Shri Jagannath culture. Today, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for the construction of a state-of-the-art ‘Pipili Chandua Handicraft Hub’ on more than 5 acres of land in Jugnauthpur Mouza under Pipili Tehsil. This project will be built with an investment of about Rs 80 crore by the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.
Speaking on the occasion of laying the foundation stone, the Chief Minister said that Pipili Chandua is not just a handicraft, it is the pride of the Odia nation and the identity of ‘Odia Asmita’. This art is inextricably linked with the service of Lord Jagannath and Rath Yatra. Due to the shortsightedness of the previous governments, these world-famous artisans were deprived of their rights for years. The Chief Minister said that today’s foundation stone laying is a strong response to that selfish politics and said that our government is not only laying the foundation stone, but also has set a record of completing the work and inaugurating it within the stipulated time.
It is worth noting that this five-storey integrated “Craft, Culture and Tourism Hub” to be built will have all the latest facilities like 50 commercial shops, 6 government showrooms, live demonstration center, training center, audio-visual gallery, open-air theater, Odia food court. Here, all 64 approved handicrafts of Odisha including Chandua and 6 GI. Approved arts will be displayed and sold.
Addressing the people of Pipili, the Chief Minister said that more than 6,000 artisans of Pipili and surrounding areas will be directly benefited by this project. A ‘Raw Material Bank’ will be set up here to provide raw materials to the artisans at affordable prices. In addition, keeping in mind the e-commerce era, the artisans, especially the mothers and sisters of Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), will be empowered by providing training in digital marketing and packaging.
Inspired by the mantra of the late Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ‘Vocal for Local’, the Chief Minister said that our goal is to connect Pipili Chandua with the global market. The Chief Minister expressed his confidence that this hub will be a milestone towards building a prosperous and developed Odisha, keeping in mind the centenary of the formation of Odisha in 2036 and the centenary of independence in 2047.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister honored renowned chandelier artist Suresh Chandra Mohapatra.
As one of the guests, Minister of Handicrafts, Textiles and Handicrafts Shri Pradeep Bala Samanta said that Pipili Chandua is the pride and glory of Odisha. It is the essence of our traditional heritage. It is a reflection of our identity. This Chandua Hub will give new strength to the economy of Pipili. Our government is working with commitment for the development and prosperity of every artisan and weaver of the state. He said that our government is giving priority to raw materials, marketing and infrastructure development for the prosperity of the livelihood of weavers and artisans.
Puri MP Dr. Sambit Patra thanked the Chief Minister for fulfilling the long-awaited wish of the people of Pipili. He also expressed his gratitude to both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister for implementing the BCPPER project as a sincere effort of the Chief Minister for the overall development of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradeep and the growth of the economic system of Odisha.
Pipili MLA Shri Ashrit Patnaik delivered the welcome speech at the event and expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for providing this invaluable gift to the people of Pipili.
Puri District Planning Board Chairman and Satyabhati MLA Shri Om Prakash Mishra proposed the vote of thanks.
Brahmagiri MLA Smt. Upasana Mohapatra, Commissioner and Secretary of Handicrafts, Textiles and Handicrafts Department Smt. Guha Punam Tapas Kumar, and District Magistrate Puri Shri Divyajyoti Parida were prominently present at the event.
