Pradhan seeks Odisha govt’s help for upgradation of Sculpture Training Institute

Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday sought the cooperation of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to upgrade stone Sculpture Training Institute at Konark to international standard.

“Presently, there is an institute of the State Government at Konark that imparts training in stone sculpture. There is need to upgrade the present institute and create an institute of international standard. The government of India will provide all necessary assistance for the purpose,” Pradhan wrote in a letter to Patnaik.

Pradhan said, “I urge you to extend the cooperation of the State Government so as to make the project successful. An international standard skilling institute will not only help in upgrading the traditional skill sets of the sculptors but will also help in keeping alive Odisha’s ancient heritage by training the entrants into the profession.”

This will help in the survival of an exquisite cultural facet of the State expressed through the intricate carvings on the stone, the Union Minister said.