Dhenkanal: The very first Dokra museum of the country will be established at Sadeibereni-Nabajibanpur crafts village under Saptasajya panchayat and Sadar block in Dhenkanal district.
A Dokra Library and Research Centre will also be set up here for the development of the endangered yet famous Dokra handicraft of Dhenkanal. Researchers in the field of handicrafts and experts will visit the museum to train the artisans in the application of the latest technologies and exchange ideas to solve problems. Handicrafts from all parts of the country including Odisha will be displayed in the museum.
The state government will provide necessary financial and technical assistance for the project, informed Roopa Roshan Sahoo, Commissionercum-Secretary of the state ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, after visiting the crafts village last Wednesday.
During her visit, the commissioner saw the handicrafts exhibition stall, conference hall, hostel, handicraft preparation room, children’s park, pond and boating arrangements in the village. She also exchanged views with women members of SHG and Mission Shakti. About the proposed plan she said, “Dhenkanal district also has straw crafts and handloom industries. All these artefacts will be displayed in the museum in order to introduce them to the public and make those more popular.”
A large number of Dokra artisans live in SadeibereniNabajibanpur. Craft villages have been identified to promote the handmade traditional artefacts, which have created a unique identity in the state and the country.
In the crafts village, infrastructure development work is being carried out by the district administration in a phased manner. The administration has been advised to send necessary proposals. After receiving proposals, teams will be sent and steps will be taken on how to further promote various crafts, including Dokra.
Tourist footfall here will increase after the country’s first Dokra Museum and Research Centre is established, giving a fillip to the local economy. This will directly and indirectly benefit the artisans, said Commissioner Sahu.
PNN