Bhubaneswar : The fourth foundation day and Annual General Body (AGM) meeting was held here recently. Tetired textile professionals, social workers, civil servants, designers and experts discussed the development of the handloom sector and welfare of artisans on this occasion.

.The programme began with the ceremonial lamp lighting and invocation of Lord Jagannath, followed by Bande Utkal Janani and a one-minute silence in memory of departed RETORN members, particularly former President Late Er. A. P. Das.Vice President Prof. K. N. Das welcomed the gathering, while

General Secretary Dr. Sudarsan Behera highlighted RETORN’s objectives, activities and progress. Speakers, including Dr. Subhransu Bhusan Ray, Khirod Chandra Mohapatra, Padmanav Panda, Dr. Anita Sabat, Ms. Choudhury Jyoshna Das and D. Nanda, shared perspectives on improving artisans’ livelihoods and strengthening handloom.

A video message from Dr. Sanjay Kumar Panda, President of SHRADDHA and former Union Textile Secretary, stressed the need to enhance the earnings and livelihoods of handloom weavers.

Chief Guest Bansidhar Mohapatra, retired Indian Statistical Service officer associated with SHRADDHA, encouraged RETORN to continue its initiatives.

The Anantapada Memorial Educational Award, instituted in memory of Late A. P. Das, was presented to three deserving students of ITT, Choudwar, and IIHT, Bargarh. Each recipient received ₹5,000 and a citation. The initiative was undertaken by Ms. Swetapadma Rath in collaboration with RETORN.

RETORN also displayed garments made from bamboo, linen, lycra and blended fibres, including shirts, kurtas and jackets. The initiative aims to combine traditional textile expertise with contemporary designs and sustainable materials, with a targeted earning potential of ₹30,000–₹40,000 per month for weavers.

In the AGB meeting, Dasaratha Nanda was unanimously elected president. The nine-member executive committee will serve for three years, with Prof. Kedarnath Das as vice president, Dr. Sudarsan Behera as general secretary and Umakanta Rout as finance secretary.