State recommends Ikat maestro Surendra Meher for Padma Shri

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Oct 4, 2013 at 8:22 PM Updated On : Oct 4, 2013 at 10:15 PM

OST Bureau

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Bhubaneswar, Oct 4:

The Odisha government has recommended the name of Surendra Meher for the Padma Shri award 2014 for his distinguished contribution to the handloom sector in preparation of Ikat designs (Tie &Dye) weaving and development of various natural dyes and its application in weaving of handloom sarees.

The recommendation has been sent to the Union Ministry of Handlooms, official sources said here today.

Meher, a native of Bargarh district, bagged the national award for handlooms in 2010.

Born in 1959, the master weaver from Barpali is the youngest son of legendary Ikat weaver Padmashri Kunjabihari Meher. After graduating from Sambalpur University, he devoted himself to innovating and experimenting new designs in the age old traditional art of Sambalpuri Ikat art to make it a contemporary art with a touch of modernity.

The young artist created a record of sorts after receiving the State Award of Odisha for three consecutive years. He also received the National Award in 1991 and Kalanidhi Award in 1993.

Meher represented the country in “India Week” exhibition at Algurair Centre, Dubai (UAE) and “India – A Celebration” at Asian Art Museum, San Fransisco, USA in 1997. His classic creations are on permanent display in the Art Gallery of Crafts Museum, New Delhi and Asian Art Museum, San Fransisco, USA.