Every time I transit through Bhubaneswar airport, I pause at a wall showcasing magnificent, larger-than-life papier-mâché mask, each one a masterpiece, crafted with such precision that I often wonder about the hands behind their creation. Recently, I had the privilege of meeting the living legend whose work has adorned this space for over six decades.
On a journey to discover artists in the Bhubaneswar–Puri region, a friend from the art and craft community introduced us to Sri Purusottam Mahapatra (State Awardee and National Merit Awardee), a name spoken with deep respect among Odisha’s artisans. Little did I know we were about to meet one of the most celebrated papier-mâché artists in the country—a man whose dedication to his craft began long before I was born. When we arrived at his home, his family led us to the terrace, where Mahapatra ji was at work beneath the harsh, unforgiving sun. Although in his seventies, he radiated the energy and passion of a young artist, his hands deftly shaping and molding paper into intricate forms. It was mesmerizing to watch; he conversed with us warmly, yet his hands moved with such practiced confidence that he barely needed to look at his work. He talked about his work and current projects, and at one point, he shared a simple yet profound insight: “For you, used notebooks, newspapers, or diaries are trash, but for me, they are gold, as I can carve them into beautiful sculptures.” This perspective revealed the deep connection he has with his materials, transforming what others discard into timeless art.
As we spoke, he recounted the story of sculpting a life-sized Ganesh and how his dedication to this art form had allowed him to travel all over India and abroad. One memory stood out: during an exhibition in Delhi, a young boy visited his stall every day, his eyes fixed on a particular mask. For six days, the boy would ask the price, only to leave quietly. On the last day, he returned with his pocket money, hoping it would be enough. Deeply moved by the boy’s perseverance and genuine love for the craft, Mahapatra ji gifted him the mask, having already decided to do so. For him, the boy’s curiosity and appreciation meant far more than money—a moment he remembers with fondness.
Yet, amidst these heartwarming stories, Mahapatra ji shared a concern. Mastering this ancient craft, he explained, requires at least four years of dedicated learning. Today, institutions send students for brief workshops lasting barely a week or two—far too short to truly absorb the art. He worries that such fleeting exposure cannot prepare students to pursue this as a profession or carry the tradition forward. His heartfelt plea is for a proper training system, one that allows young artists to learn deeply, adapt the craft to modern times, and ensure its survival for generations to come.
At the end of our visit, we shared some lighthearted moments, posing for the camera and capturing memories that would last a lifetime. What deepened my admiration for Sri Purusottam Mahapatra ji was not just his extraordinary talent, but his genuine humility, warm humor, and simple, frugal nature. Meeting him in person was truly an honor—a rare encounter with a master artist whose kindness and grace shine as brightly as his craft.
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