SHRADDHA, a Bhubaneswar-based non-governmental organisation, has emphasised the necessity of preserving Odisha’s extensive handloom heritage while fostering sustainable livelihoods for weavers. The organisation has proposed the creation of a dedicated Weaver School aimed at training future artisans and entrepreneurs to uphold this tradition.

This initiative was a key topic during SHRADDHA’s Annual General Body Meeting, held at the CYSD campus in Bhubaneswar. Members actively discussed strategies to enhance the handloom ecosystem in the state, highlighting the critical need for educational structures that support weaving families.

Initiatives and Achievements

Founded in 1994 by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Panda, a retired IAS officer and former Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, SHRADDHA has been instrumental in uplifting the socio-economic status of handloom weavers in Odisha. The organisation was revitalised in 2022 and focuses on innovation, skill development, and creating market linkages for weavers.

During the meeting, Dr. Panda outlined the organisation’s successful initiatives aimed at empowering women weavers in Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur districts. Supported by NABARD, HPRCL, and LIC, these projects have helped diversify traditional products beyond sarees, introducing new fabrics and contemporary designs. Additionally, innovative direct-to-consumer marketing strategies have been implemented, resulting in approximately a 50 per cent increase in the incomes of participating weavers.

To maintain momentum, attendees expressed unanimous support for the proposal to establish a specialised Weaver School, recognising its potential to provide business acumen alongside weaving skills.

Vision for the Proposed Weaver School

The envisioned Weaver School would integrate formal education through open schooling with practical training in various fields such as textile design, weaving techniques, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing. The core aim is to motivate children from weaving families to acquire modern competencies while celebrating the traditional art of weaving.

This effort is anticipated to cultivate a new generation of skilled entrepreneurs who can effectively position Odisha’s handloom products in both national and international markets, aligning with the broader vision of a ‘Viksit Odisha’.

In addition to livelihood generation, SHRADDHA is committed to enhancing the overall quality of life for weaver communities through initiatives that focus on healthcare, nutrition, preschool education, and environmental sustainability, including plantation efforts.

Engagement and Participation at the Meeting

The Annual General Body Meeting showcased active involvement from members both in-person and online, including prominent figures like B.B. Patnaik, Shyama Chandra Padhy, Padmanava Panda, Dr. Satyakam Mishra, General Atanu Patnaik, Sukanti Meher, and Shivani Mohapatra.

The proceedings were led by Secretary Banshidhar Mohapatra, with contributions from Dr. Sudarshan Behera and Suvendu Tripathy. The discussions highlighted a unified vision for the future of Odisha’s handloom sector through education and modern practices.

SHRADDHA underscored its belief that the introduction of the Weaver School could serve as a transformative project for Odisha’s handloom sector. By merging traditional craftsmanship with modern educational methodologies, the initiative hopes to ensure sustained livelihoods for generations of weavers to come.

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