By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, August 10, 2016 : The Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) Foundation on Wednesday felicitated 33 artisans and craftsmen from Puri, who are engaged every year to construct chariots for grand Rath Yatra festival of Lord jagannath at Puri.

The JSPL organised its second edition of ‘Swayamsiddh Samman’ programme here and awarded a cash prize of Rs 10,000 to the Rath Shilpis. The Samman was presented in collaboration with the Dr Raghunath Mohapatra Art and Craft Foundation.

JSPL Foundation president Shallu Jindal, Guruji Srimad Budha Bapa and Lalit Kala Akademi president Padma Vibhushan Dr Raghunath Mohapatra were present as guests.

Introducing the award, Shallu Jindal said, “Within a very short span of time, these artisans and craftsmen make grand chariots for the Rath Yatra. Their age old skill is unique in nature and they deserve appreciation.”

Conferring the second Swayamsiddh Samman to them is an attempt by the JSPL Foundation to recognise and encourage their service to the Lord, she added.

She also informed that the JSPL Foundation is actively considering financial support for social security of senior artisans who have dedicated their life to the cause.

Dr Raghunath Mohapatra Art and Craft Foundation, in consultation with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, shortlisted the awardees from Maharana Sevak, Kamara Sevak, Karata Sevak, Bhoi Sevak, Rupakar Sevak, Chitrakar Sevak and Daraji Sevak.

Appreciating the effort of Shallu Jindal, the Rath Shilpis also presented an idol of artistic finesse of Chaturdhamurti to her on the occasion.

Swayamsiddh Samman has been instituted by the JSPL Foundation to recognise and reward grassroots action leaders at individual levels. Last year this Samman was presented to 20 individuals and nine self-help groups from different districts of the State.