Social worker Jagadananda presented a topic on “livelihood Challenges of Artisans in Odisha” at the 175th Meet the Artist programme held in the premises of the Jatin Das Centre of Arts (JDCA) here on Saturday.
Through a slide show presentation, he explained the different crafts of Odisha, story of Indian craft, handloom and handicraft in Odisha and the key issues relating to the artisans. He divided people into two groups. One who only criticizes, but doesn’t do anything and another who is a doer, who does for change and development in the society. Intervention is required to assist those people for changes and development in the society, Jagadananda said.
Narrating the story of Indian craft, he informed that once upon a time craft used to receive royal patronage. Handloom production was strongly rooted in the time of Swadeshi movement, but that movement has lost significance now. “Key issues of artisans of Odisha are low productivity, inadequate inputs, lack of market linkages, dominance of middleman, neglect of Central and State Governments and lack of interest by second generation,” Jagadananda expressed concern.
Suggesting a remedy for these problems, he said demand for crafts should be increased and market linkage should be strengthened. Jagadananda presently leads the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD) which is an autonomous development organisation working with the tribal and rural poor in Odisha.