Utkalamrita : #OneThingForLove

If you could do one thing for someone or something that you love, what would it be and why? #OneThingForLove

 

I love Odisha. This state has the best of everything- beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, minerals, heritage, history, art, architecture, music, dance, food, clothes- yet remains a backward, poverty-stricken state. History records how Odias have been the most enterprising traders and sailors, going as far as Bali and Sri Lanka to trade before Ashoka's time (3rd Century BC). That's why 'Bali Jatra' is celebrated to this day during Karthik Purnima in November. Yet after Ashoka's war and subsequently over centuries, Odisha then known as 'Kalinga' or 'Utkala' (Land of Utkarsha Kala or Exquisite Arts) started declining. Subservience took over, leaving enterprise behind. 

 

Courtesy

Thankfully, Odia Language Movement was a unifying factor leading to creation of Odisha as a separate state in 1936. Infact, Odisha was the first state to be created on linguistic basis, though pre-independence. However, again with the passing away of great Odia leaders and statesmen, Odisha has been left backward. 

 

Source Eminent personalities of Odisha

 

Leadership crisis continues politically, with populist schemes further ruining any remaining sense of hard-work to earn one's own livelihood. Poor people have been made dole-dependent while intelligent Odias have been leaving the state in hordes - to serve in other states or countries. Educated Odias outside Odisha are highly successful, in high positions. Yet inside Odisha, very few talented Odias achieve success to their potential.

 

Yes, even I was working outside. But then, I never felt I was doing justice to my talent, potential, my state, my country. Work till late in ac environment, get a good assured paycheck at month-end, get married, have kids, get car, get house, get promoted...so goes the normal from-small-town-middle-class-success-story. Enough was enough. I decided it was time to change all this. 

 

Driven by love for arts and crafts of my state and fully backed by family and friends, we have set up a new venture to promote our Odisha's splendid and unique arts, handicrafts, textiles, spices and foods! Thus has been born brand 'Utkalamrita' to give Odisha its rightful recognition on the world stage for her exquisite arts or Utkarsha Kala (Utkala)!

 

Utkalamrita Signature cum Logo!

 

We've already started our online store here: Utkalamrita Store since #Nabajaubana #Darshana day or day prior to #NabakalebaraRathaJatra! 

 

Visit our exclusive blog here: Utkalamrita Blog

 

Our Twitter Handle: @Utkalamrita

 

Our FB page: facebook.com/Utkalamrita

 

Glad to be spreading Odisha's unique Jagannath Culture among Indians and world citizens through exquisite Jagannath products! 

 

 

Exquisite Jagannath Products!

 

We aim to distribute back a share of profits made by selling exquisite products built by skilled Odisha craftsmen at the end of the year. We want no middlemen exploiting our talented craftsmen, paying them so low and making humongous profits at their cost. We want a win-win for Odisha, her craftsmen and for us! 

 

This is a start-up with noble aims. Hoping all my blog readers will visit our online store, place orders for the stunning items and share and spread the word! 

 

Yes, spread the sweetness on the very first #RasagolaDibasa or #RasagolaDay - 30 July 2015, when Odisha celebrates #Rasagola sweet which originated in #Odisha! 

 

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Let's celebrate and together raise a toast #Rasagolas for our venture and for the prosperity of Odisha! May more entrepreneurs arise, awake, act in every state, for India's growth as a whole!

 

Bande Utkala Janani! Jai Jagannath!

 

**Linking to letter 'C' of ABC Wednesday (Centuries, Creation, Crisis, Change, Crafts, Culture, Craftsmen, Celebrate) and to Indispire!