Bhubaneswar: Sujit Meher has become the first Odia to receive the Indian Achiever’s Award.
He was recognized in the 2021 Awards, powered by Government of India and Indian Achiever forum held in New Delhi, in the category of Young Entrepreneur.
The 31-year-old Sujit, a fashion designer and entrepreneur, is based in Bengaluru, having graduated from National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFT), Bangalore.
Hailing from Dhrmagarh, a small town in Kalahandi district, Sujit has given a new identity to Odisha handloom by branding it at the international level.
“The Government of India is emphasising on taking the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme forward though the Make In India scheme. I got rewarded for my contribution in exporting Indian handloom and achieving tremendous success,” said Sujit, who has taken the initiative to send Odisha handloom sarees and dress materials to foreign countries.
Despite coming from the one of the most backward regions of the country, Sujit developed an interest in fashion study and got selected to the prestigious NIFT in Bangalore.
After completing the course, he started working with famed Bollywood film production house Eros International in Mumbai. He is also known for his association with NGOs to support a variety of causes and spread awareness of Indian traditional handlooms, designs and other Indian arts.
A multi-talented orator, motivational speaker, writer and storyteller, Sujit penned a bestselling novel in 2015, titled ‘Dreams beyond Grades’. It’s about his journey from rags to riches and how he became a role model for many.
Having started work on handlooms in 2013, Sujit is planning to shift base to Odisha.
“I want to involve more people from Odisha in my work. I want proper marketing of their work,” said Sujit.
