A new initiative in Suidihi Panchayat of Lathikata Block in Sundargarh district is giving local girls and women an opportunity to learn Pattachitra, a traditional Indian art form, while also opening a path toward livelihood generation.
Around 10–12 women and girls are currently receiving free training through an initiative involving Rourkela Steel Plant and an NGO. The programme has been running for around a year, allowing the trainees to gradually develop their skills in the traditional art.
Pattachitra training in Sundargarh creates new opportunities
For the women and girls participating in the programme, the training is about more than learning an art technique. It is also aimed at creating opportunities for them to develop skills that could support their livelihoods.
The trainees are receiving free instruction as part of the initiative. They are also being provided stipends during the training period, offering additional support while they continue learning.
The involvement of Rourkela Steel Plant and an NGO has helped bring structured training to the local community in Suidihi Panchayat. The initiative is focusing on women and girls who are being introduced to the techniques and practices associated with Pattachitra.
Traditional art meets livelihood development
Pattachitra is known as a traditional painting style, and training programmes such as this can provide an opportunity for communities to keep traditional artistic practices alive while developing practical skills.
In Suidihi Panchayat, the trainees have been learning the art for approximately one year. Their continued participation reflects the effort being made to build their familiarity and ability through regular training.
The initiative also highlights how skill development programmes can connect traditional arts with livelihood opportunities. For women and girls in rural areas, access to free training and financial support can make it easier to participate in such programmes.
The combination of art training and stipends is therefore an important part of the initiative. Rather than simply introducing participants to Pattachitra, the programme is supporting them throughout their learning period.
A focus on women and girls
The participation of around 10–12 women and girls gives the programme a clear community focus. By providing them with access to training, the initiative is creating a space where participants can develop a traditional skill close to their homes.
The programme is taking place in Suidihi Panchayat under Lathikata Block, bringing the training directly into the local community.
For the participants, learning Pattachitra over an extended period can help them become more familiar with the artistic process and improve their skills through continued practice.
The initiative also demonstrates the potential of partnerships between organisations and local communities. With Rourkela Steel Plant and an NGO involved, the programme is combining institutional support with grassroots skill development.
Keeping Pattachitra connected to the community
Traditional art forms depend on knowledge being passed from one generation to another. Providing training to young girls and women can help maintain that connection while giving participants an opportunity to explore art as a possible livelihood skill.
The Suidihi Panchayat initiative is an example of how traditional art training can be linked with community development. The trainees are not only learning an established art form but are also receiving support during the training period.
As the women and girls continue their learning, the programme offers them an opportunity to strengthen their artistic abilities and explore the potential of their skills.
The ongoing Pattachitra training in Sundargarh is thus emerging as a community-focused effort that brings together traditional art, skill development and livelihood support for local women and girls.
