Introduction
Haven Crafts, a social enterprise dedicated to the empowerment and upliftment of traditional artisans, conducted a field-level engagement in Hadapada village, located in the Khurda district of Odisha. Known for its legacy in stone carving, the village holds generations of skilled artisans who continue to struggle due to lack of systemic support. The objective of the visit was to assess the ground realities, identify key challenges, and propose sustainable interventions for the revival of this heritage craft.
Challenges Identified and Initiative Started by Haven Crafts
Unavailability of Quality Stone for Crafting
- Artisans in Hadapada are struggling to access suitable stones (especially fine-grain sandstone and soft laterite) essential for intricate carving work.
- Mining leases for stone-rich quarries have been granted to large private companies, leaving no legal or affordable access for small-scale artisans.
- The lack of raw materials has led many artisans to abandon their practice or shift to less traditional, low-value stone items.
Lack of Workshop Infrastructure
- Most artisans operate from open or makeshift spaces, often exposed to weather, dust, and unsafe conditions.
- The absence of common facility centers (CFCs) or dedicated craft zones hampers both productivity and collaboration.
No Access to Proper Machinery
- The artisans rely on manual tools or outdated equipment, increasing physical strain and limiting output.
- Electric and wet grinding machines, dust control systems, and polishing tools are unavailable or unaffordable for individual craftsmen.
Declining Youth Interest
- Young people are leaving the craft due to poor income, lack of recognition, and limited career prospects.
- The absence of innovation, design training, or integration into modern markets has led to a sharp drop in intergenerational continuity.
Market Isolation
- Sales remain limited to local fairs or temple zones, with no digital or institutional marketing support.
- Without access to bulk buyers, export agents, or heritage platforms, artisans face low returns for high-effort work.
Solutions Proposed by Haven Crafts
Facilitate Raw Material Access
- Advocate for micro-mining leases or community stone banks exclusively for artisans through district administration.
- Partner with government to create Artisan Quarry Zones with fair access, regulated pricing, and transportation support.
Establish Common Facility Workshop
- Set up a solar-powered craft workshop equipped with wet grinders, polishers, and carving tools.
- Ensure dust-reduction systems to protect artisan health and reduce silicosis risks.
Training & Technology Intervention
- Conduct skill upgradation programs focusing on machine handling, safety, and modern design techniques.
- Encourage use of 3D scanning and digital modeling to integrate traditional skills with modern demand.
Cluster Formation & Branding
- Promote Hadapada as a Stone Carving Craft Village under ODOP/SFURTI scheme.
- Develop a regional brand identity for Khurda Stone Craft and connect artisans to national e-commerce and export markets.
Initiatives Started by Haven Crafts
- Conducted artisan health and livelihood survey in Hadapada, documenting individual artisan needs and raw material demands.
- Drafted a proposal to the district Collector and Department of Handicrafts for land allocation and CFC support.
- Collaborated with local leaders and artisan groups to form a Stone Artisan Collective, initiating dialogue with mining authorities.
- Launched a pilot design intervention project with young sculptors to revive Jagannath-themed and temple-inspired sculptures.
- Exploring support from CSR funds for solar-powered grinding units and protective gear for artisans.
Conclusion
The visit to Hadapada by Haven Crafts revealed the deep-rooted challenges that threaten the survival of Odisha’s iconic stone carving tradition. From raw material scarcity to infrastructural voids, the barriers are systemic—but not insurmountable. With committed partnerships, government cooperation, and artisan-centered innovation, this living heritage can be not only protected but thrivingly restored for future generations.