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Chhau Mask Master Honored After 6 Decades
12 Jun
Summary
- Mask maker Sushanta Kumar Mahapatra received a prestigious award for his 60 years of dedication.
- He established a Chhau mask-making training center in Seraikela in 2000.
- Mahapatra has traveled to 10 countries, promoting Chhau art globally.
Seraikela's renowned Chhau mask maker, Sushanta Kumar Mahapatra, received the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for his lifelong dedication to preserving Jharkhand's cultural heritage. Mahapatra, who has spent over six decades crafting Chhau masks and costumes, expressed that the recognition, announced on Wednesday, should have arrived earlier for greater personal satisfaction.
Driven by a passion to protect traditional crafts, Mahapatra established Jagannath Kala Kendra in 2000. This center in Seraikela trains new artisans through the Akademi's 'Guru-Shishya Parampara' scheme, with over 20 students completing training in the past two years. His children, Sumit and Anubha, also trained in the craft, assist in managing the center.
Mahapatra's extensive experience includes traveling to 10 countries for various Chhau-related events. His previous accolades include a Union culture ministry scholarship in 1973, a fellowship, Jharkhand's Rajya Sanskriti Samman in 2007, and Odisha's Guru Brahma award in 2022. He still aspires to receive a Padma award.
