Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated an exhibition called ‘Sustain: The Craft Idiom’ at Kala Bhoomi in the city on Monday. The exhibition, curated by the Ministry of Culture, is part of the ongoing G20 second Cultural Working Group meeting. The event was attended by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
The purpose of the exhibition is to raise awareness among visitors, professionals, and policymakers about the various living heritage practices that emphasize the sustainable use of natural resources and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. It is divided into three sections: ‘akshara’, ‘stambh’, and demonstrations. Skilled artisans and art teachers present more than 35 crafts and highlight different languages and scripts of India through objects and live demonstrations.
The ‘Akshara – Crafting Indian Scripts’ section showcases the diverse languages and craft practices of India, reflecting unique worldviews and traditions. It uses a new design approach to present the visual beauty of India’s scripts, expressed through alphabets, verses, phrases, poems, and colloquial sayings.
The ‘Stambh: Craft, Collaboration, and Continuity’ section explores indigenous craft practices and their contemporary expressions. It features functional objects that blend traditional crafts with modern elements, created through collaborations with artisans and adapted for urban audiences.
The exhibition will run until May 22 and will include master classes and demonstrations, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of India’s rich craft heritage.
Prasanta Patnaik 
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