Puri: The Rapid Response, an organisation providing disaster response and preparedness services in the country, on Monday launched a programme – Kalamitra Dolls – a livelihood project for cyclone Fani-affected communities at Raghurajpur village in Puri district.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi inaugurated the project in the heritage village in the presence of State Juvenile Justice Member and women activist Namrata Chadha, actress and social worker Elina Das, Rapid Response CEO Mohamad Farukh and Head of Partnerships Maheekshita Mishra, local sarpancha and president of Raghurajpur village.
Speaking on the occasion the Minister urged all stakeholders to stand together for rebuilding Raghurajpur.
“Now, the State Government is preparing one year short term plan to revive the culture and tourism of Odisha,” added the Minister.
Raghurajpur is famous for its culinary art and culture. There are 153 families and around 850 artisans are living in Raghurajpur village.
As part of the Kalamitra initiative, people can learn new skills and socialise with others thereby enabling them to recover from the immense trauma that they have suffered.
The project helps to earn a sustainable income, thus allowing them to begin to rebuild their life after the cyclone. Kalamitra Dolls, helps the cyclone affected artist to overcome the trauma they experienced by getting them involved in creative handicraft work which could also be a livelihood option to make regular income.
In Sanskrit Kalamitra means friend of an artist. Kalamitra Dolls are made by artist, who lives in and around Raghurajpur. All the money directly goes to rebuilding the lives of cyclone affected people who are making these dolls.
