Should Orissa's Rich Textile Culture be Patented???

--By P. Neelakantha Achary

The tour to Orissa is incomplete without a glimpse of its rich textile culture. If the state of Orissa is in your destination list, then be prepared to know more about the textile culture of the state from very close. The state is famous for Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, Konark - The Sun Temple, and some unique historical monuments. Apart from that, the state is known for its textile heritage. The appliqué craft of Pipili is famous worldwide and portrays the textile culture of the state that includes Sambalpuri sarees, IKat, tusser silk, tribal handlooms, etc.

The decoration of drawing halls is incomplete without a piece of handloom from Orissa. The handloom and crafts from Orissa have already received accolade on the global arena. Every nook and corner of the state is filled with its rich textile culture and artistic expressions.

In ancient time too, the state was famous for its textile culture. Similarly, the handloom trade in the tribal belt of the state has also potential to become an additional source to share the economic prosperity of the state. The tribal belt of the state have their own identity and a great ethnic culture. But they could get more exposure if the handloom sector is given due attention.

The handloom products from the tribal belt could be another life for the state. The tribal handloom possess rich quality in work, but losses its ground in terms of recognition. The products from such belt could be promoted worldwide and patented. It is necessary so that the mark of originality is not disappeared and it gives recognition to original work.

The appliqué of Pipili provides great income source for families in and around that village. Similarly, the promotion of the tribal belt work could also help the state to generate revenue and ultimately the tribes associated could be self-reliant. And this could be a great step towards changing the image of the state from a poor state to a great rich textile heritage state.

The modern life style have forced people adopt fashion as part of their life. The brand mantra of the advertising gurus is the key to attract the customers and making their brand market-oriented. Despite this, the brand of Orissa is making its way successfully; now it's time for the tribal belt to prove its excellence in the handloom sector. The great work in handloom in these tribal belts often go unnoticed. Attention towards this, would help the state in maintaining its identity with the resources of rich textile culture and eventually become a powerful economically prosperous state on the national scene.