Odisha’s Rich Craft To Greet Delegates Of G2 Leaders’ Summit In Delhi

Bhubaneswar: Delegates at the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 will get to see the rich craft of Odisha with replicas of the wheel and sculptures of dancing women of Konark Sun Temple being placed at various prominent places as part of the beautification drive.

Eminent sculptor and Padma Vibhushan awardee Sudarshan Sahoo have sculpted two dozen stone sculptures, which would also be placed at Bharat Bandana Park showcasing the art and craft from across the country. A 6-feet high Konark wheel, which is an exact replica of the one at the Sun Temple, has been installed near Delhi Gate, while six statues of dancing women made of khandolite stone are placed near Air Force Station, Palam.

“The statues have been selected as a symbol of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and an example of exceptional craftsmanship. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena expressed interest in using some of my creations. During his visit to Bhubaneswar during Rath Yatra in July, he selected some statues from our stock, which are displayed at various locations in Delhi,” 85-year-old Sahoo told TOI.

He further hoped that unique architectural style of the sculptors would impress the delegates and add to the beauty of the national capital.