Project Adi Kala: Preserving Heritage, Empowering Artisans
Project Adi Kala is a holistic initiative implemented by Mahashakti Foundation to preserve traditional tribal crafts, strengthen livelihoods, and promote cultural entrepreneurship. The project is rooted in the rich heritage of Odisha and focuses on leveraging indigenous skills to build sustainable income streams for rural artisans and youth.
The initiative empowers artisans across five villages in Lanjigarh by providing them with hands-on training from master trainers, access to raw materials, design development support, and exposure to national and state exhibitions. By blending traditional knowledge with contemporary design, Project Adi Kala is helping local communities transform their creativity into economic empowerment.
Project Reach & Beneficiaries
1.Villages Covered: 5 2. Total Beneficiaries: 344 ○ Dhokra Craft: 84 ○ Dhokra Jewellery: 31 ○ Saura Art: 56 ○ Bag Stitching/Embroidery: 15 ○ Mandala Art: 5 ○ School Students (Saura Art Training): 235
Key Activities
● Workshops Conducted: ○ 1 Dhokra Craft Training ○ 1 Jute Bag & Embroidery Training ○ 3 Saura Art Training for Students ● Exhibitions: ○ 10 National Exhibitions ○ 9 State & District Exhibitions ● Special Initiatives: ○ Formation of Kritikala Producer Group ○ Product design development and innovation ○ Youth engagement in pottery, bag design, wall décor, painted bottles, and greeting cards
Impacts & Outcomes
★ Average Income Increase: ₹7,000–₹8,000 per artisan ★ 30–40% Rise in Artisan Income within a year ★ Increased Market Access through exhibitions & online platforms ★ Empowerment of 40 artisans from Kankeri & Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar ★ Enhanced visibility of tribal art forms like Dhokra, Saura, and Mandala ★ Youth & Women Empowerment through creative entrepreneurship ★ Preservation of Indigenous Art with Contemporary Design Training ★ Sustainable Livelihood Creation with market-ready product development
Mahashakti Foundation plays a pivotal role in training, mentoring, and linking these artisans to wider markets – both online and offline – while also mobilizing support through partners like ORMAS to provide grants and skill enhancement.
Contact Us
Head Office:
1st Floor, Mahalaxmi Nagar, Lane No. 2, Bolangir - 767001, Odisha, India.