Finance
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a first-of-its-kind craft summit in Jajpur on Friday, bringing together pioneering craftsmen, culture, and art enthusiasts to promote Odisha as a global tourist destination.
International delegates from 15 countries have arrived in Jajpur for the crafts summit to meet with local artisans and other stakeholders. On behalf of the Government of Odisha, four UN agencies and five UNESCO Creative Cities have collaborated with the Jajpur district to realize this ambitious and forward-thinking event.
Joining the programme on a virtual platform, the Chief Minister said it is a historic occasion for Odisha. He said, “Jajpur was the ancient capital of Odisha. With its existing assets of religious tourism, urban tourism and Buddhist tourism, it has the potential to be a major tourist hub. The cultural heritage of Jajpur is reflected in its vibrant art forms.”
Speaking on the cultural splendor of the state, the Chief Minister said, “Odisha is an illustrious land of immaculate art and crafts. Our civilisational journey is a journey of our artistic culture. The artistic skills of our craftsmen are reflected in numerous ways. You can find it in our temples, our sculptures, Buddhist shrines, hand-woven clothes, patta paintings, wood works, metal works…… everywhere. Every village and every lane of Odisha exhibits some form of art or craft. The soul of Odisha lives in our art, craft, music and culture.”
He stated that the Odisha government is making concerted efforts to develop Odisha as a global tourist hotspot, to provide livelihood and employment opportunities, and to make the state appealing to investors.
Describing the initiatives, he said, “We are developing mechanisms for holistic development of our tourism, handloom and handicrafts sector. We have put in place various policies such as State Tourism Policy, Handicraft Policy, Apparel and Technical Textiles Policy. We are also opening art galleries at different places, organising heritage walks and taking many other initiatives to promote tourism and culture.”
The event was attended by Science and Technology Minister Ashok Panda, Rural Development Minister Priti Ranjan Ghadai, and Handloom, Textile, and Handicrafts Minister Rita Sahu. They emphasized Odisha’s cultural heritage and its significance in the modern era.
Junhi Han, UNESCO’s Culture Sector Chief for South Asian countries, praised the efforts to promote local art, artists, and artisans.
Dia Mirza, a well-known Bollywood actor, also attended.
The guests were welcomed by Jajpur Collector, and the vote of thanks was presented by Zilla Parishad executive officer.
Source:OCN
