Bhubaneswar: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Odisha held an impactful event, CIISwayamSrujani – Weaving a Sustainable Future for Odisha’s Textiles and Crafts, here on Saturday.
The program celebrated Odisha’s rich heritage of textiles and crafts, focusing onsustainable practices and empowerment for artisans and weavers in the state.The event was graced by Odisha minister for industries, skill development, and technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, who attended as chief guest. He spoke passionately about thegovernment’s efforts to foster a favorable ecosystemfor Odisha’s craftsmen and artisans throughpolicies aimed at improving skill development, market linkage, and sustainability in the sector.Highlighting the government’s stand on industrialisation in the state, Swain said that, “ Odishawas traditionally known for mining and metallurgy. Now, however, the government is pushing forexpansion to emerging sectors such as textiles and apparel. Many prominent companies in thesector have invested in the state but want to develop an ecosystemfor the industry. The governmentis also focusing on how the textile and apparel industry can prosper in online business. He said textileparks are also being set up in the state. He said that the government is making arrangements so thatthe people of the state can create employment on their own without chasing jobs.”
On this occasion, MLA Akash Dasnayak joined as the guest of honour and emphasized theimportance of innovation and entrepreneurship to help traditional crafts thrive in today’s globalmarketplace. He called upon the entrepreneurs to bring back the era of ancient art, culture andbusiness in Odisha.
The government of Odisha has taken up several programmes for entrepreneurs.They are focusing on how they can move forward, master the online transaction and increase thenumber of their products. But to bring back the ancient glory of the state, the society will have towork together with the government, he said.The event gathered distinguished leaders fromindustry, government, and the arts to discussavenues for promoting sustainable practices within Odisha’s textile and craft sectors. Dr. PradiptaMohanty, chairman of the CII Odisha State Council, welcomed the gathering, emphasizing the role ofheritage and craftsmanship in boosting the state’s economy and preserving its cultural legacy. Hehighlighted that we need to endevour to promote our rich handloomand handicraft product globally.To achieve this very objective, we need everyones’ prospective. Monalisha Panda, chairperson of CII IWN (Indian Women Network) Odisha Chapter, spoke onthe need for innovative solutions and market access to strengthen Odisha’s crafts sector. Shestressed that empowering women artisans would have a transformative impact, enhancing not onlythe lives of individuals but also contributing to the state’s socio-economic development.
Chairman of the Craft Odisha Council, Santosh Mohapatra, outlined the challenges artisans facetoday, including limited exposure to national and international markets and a need for skillenhancement.
