In a momentous recognition for India's rich craft heritage, President Droupadi Murmu will honor an eminent artisan couple with the nation's highest accolades in handicrafts. The ceremony is scheduled for December 9 in New Delhi.
President to Honour Master Artisans
The Ministry of Textiles will present the Shilp Guru Award and the National Award in Handicrafts for 2023 to the distinguished Pattachitra practitioners, Sudhir Kumar Maharana and his wife Urbashee Maharana. These awards represent the pinnacle of achievement within the Indian handicrafts sector, celebrating unparalleled skill and dedication.
Hailing from Bhubaneswar, the Maharana couple has been the torchbearers of the traditional Pattachitra art form for more than four decades. Their journey is not just about preserving an ancient craft but also about innovating and passing it on to future generations.
Sustaining a Legacy Through Craft and Teaching
Sudhir and Urbashee Maharana are not only master artists but also committed mentors. They actively train the next generation of artists, ensuring the continuity of Pattachitra's intricate storytelling through cloth-based scroll painting. Their expertise also extends to other traditional arts like palm leaf engraving and wooden toy painting.
"I learned Pattachitra from my father, and Urbashee learned from her grandmother," shared Sudhir Maharana, who is a previous recipient of the National Award, having won it in the year 2000. Both artists have also been honored with state-level awards for their exceptional contributions.
National Recognition for Exemplary Craftsmanship
The Shilp Guru award is a rare honor, bestowed upon artisans who demonstrate exemplary mastery and innovation. This year, Sudhir Maharana is among six artisans nationwide selected for this prestigious title. Simultaneously, Urbashee Maharana stands among 18 artists chosen for the National Award for 2023.
This dual recognition for a single couple underscores their shared lifelong commitment to elevating Indian handicrafts. Their work goes beyond creation; it involves nurturing an entire ecosystem around Pattachitra, from raw material to finished masterpiece, and inspiring countless others to take up the craft.
The awards ceremony on December 9 will be a significant event, highlighting the government's commitment to honoring the skilled hands that keep India's diverse artistic traditions alive and thriving for the world to admire.
