Afreen Firdaus 
In a moment of pride for the state of Odisha, its tableau, which graced the Republic Day parade in Delhi, has been declared the best among the participating states and union territories. The tableau, which made a comeback after three years, showcased the exquisite craftsmanship and artistry of Raghurajpur pattachitra and various handicrafts. A significant emphasis was placed on promoting women’s empowerment in rural areas through cottage industries.
Crafted under the supervision of Gajendra Sahoo, the tableau featured a model of the heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur, conveying messages on women’s empowerment. Sahoo expressed his satisfaction, stating, “During model preparation, it appeared that it was different from others. The students, who were performing Sambalpuri dance, were filled with enthusiasm.”
Despite the challenging weather conditions in Delhi, every artisan and team member worked diligently to bring the tableau to life. Sahoo extended his gratitude, saying, “I thank these children who were part of the team as they really worked hard. The award is certainly for Odisha people. There were 32 people in the team, including carpenters, pattachitra painters, and artists. Fourteen children were part of the dance troupe.”
The tableau not only highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Raghurajpur but also aimed to shed light on the importance of women’s empowerment in rural settings through the promotion of cottage industries. The recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team involved in the tableau’s creation.
In addition to Odisha’s triumph, the tableau from Gujarat claimed the first prize in the people’s choice category, while the tableau of the Ministry of Culture was adjudged the best among ministries and departments. These awards not only honor the artistic and cultural diversity of the states but also celebrate their commitment to showcasing unique aspects of their heritage on a national stage.
