Society
Candle Flickers Despite
All Odds! by Madhvendra Singh Chauhan
Dusashan
Behera, several state and national award winner is a victim of fate,
NGOs, tradesmen and administration. He is fighting is a losing battle to
save dying Dhokra craft. At the age of 68 his zeal to fight is
exceptional.
Situlia (Dhenkanal): " Mu je parjanta banchhi, se parjanta kala ku
banchi rakhibi" (till live , I will keep this art alive) Dusashan
Behera, many state and national awards winner craftsman says in despair.
Situlia popularly known as Dhokra village first came into limelight when
the then Chief minister of Orissa, Nandini Satpathy sent Behra's name in
Pragati Maidan's 'Shilp mela' to represent the state.
From there, Dushasan was sent to Japan by former PM late Smt. Indira
Gandhi to represent India and he did so and received first prize among
25 contestants. The whole village was in a festive mood because the poor
villagers thought that their fate would also change with the popularity
of this art globally.
But the happiness was short-lived. After returning from Japan, he got
other awards but not the funds to run the business. The financial state
of this Santhal populated village can be understood as soon as one
enters the village.
Various NGOs however work for the 'upliftment' of this craft but only on
papers. Says Behera, "They purchase from us in Bulk and sell them
on higher rates. It takes 3 days and 150 rupees including 300 rupees of
brass and other raw material. They offer us 300 rupees per kg, how can
we sell in total loss." He adds further.
He was betrayed time and again. Once a man from Cuttack, named Nityanand
Bhol took two pieces of his excellent work- Konark Chakra and Ashok
Stambha with 108 diyas, giving Behra a false assurance of high monetary
prize and award from Central Govt.
"Bhol got the prize for the products he never made. He is also getting
pension after that" utters Behra. He tried to file a case of cheating
against Bhol but advocates denied. He was allegedly attacked by 'gundas'
sent by Bhol to withdraw the case he never filed. " We are poor people,
can't afford police cases, so at last I decided to sit mum at home."
Red-faced Behra says.
He is fighting a losing battle. Out of 50 homes, 30 left the work
because of the lower income from the craft business. Even his sons,
don't depend on this art, they are laborers. ' On a good day in Situlia
says Behra nostalgically "people get money to feed them at the end of
the daylong tedious work".
Prime Minister in 2006, to uplift such excellent traditional crafts,
sanctioned six crore rupees to Orissa, but where that money has been
spent is still a detective story. "Out of six crore rupees, we got a
handicraft showroom 'Shilpika' which is under control of NGOs.
They sell our products at higher rates, taking all money and credit
themselves." Says Behera.
But this 68-year-old 'Young man' has a fire in his eyes to safeguard
this art. He wants to open a school to train people in this craft. He
left three jobs to train people only to protect this rare art. This
skilled craftsman is still hopeful, that in near future he will get aid
from government and his dream to train people will come true.
"I will Train without charging any fees." Says an enthusiastic Behera.
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Dusashan
Behera, several state and national award winner is a victim of fate,
NGOs, tradesmen and administration. He is fighting is a losing battle to
save dying Dhokra craft. At the age of 68 his zeal to fight is
exceptional. 