Cuttack to gift souvenirs with silver filigree to players at Men's Hockey World Cup

Artist Pankaj Kumar Sahu, a genius and inspiration to many for his extraordinary silver filigree works. 

A physically challenged artist Pankaj Kumar Sahu has become an inspiration to others for his extraordinary and beautiful silver filigree works. 

He said he is feeling very "happy and proud" for getting the opportunity to make the trophies and mementoes for the Men's Hockey World Cup.

Sahu had lost his left palm in an accident in 2004 but the unfortunate incident never stopped him from what he loves to do and became an inspiration to others by continuing his work with one hand since 2004.

A team of craftsmen led by Sahu, an awardee of National Award by the Ministry of Handlooms and Textiles in 1994-95, is making silver filigree mementoes which will be presented to players participating in Men's Hockey World Cup which is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.

Along with famous silver, filigree works from Cuttack, other famous handicrafts and handlooms of Odisha will also be placed in the event.

Finely crafted miniature such as a stick, ball and trophy packed in velvet coated fibre boxes will be gifted to all the 16 participating teams, support staff and officials along with dignitaries, VIPs and celebrities attending the mega international sports event.

For Sahu, it is a matter of pride that the international sports event is being used as a platform to promote the art of Cuttack.

We are making these silver filigree miniature Hockey mementoes in three different sizes - 4 inches, 6 inches and 8 inches. 

The Government gave us the order to make 275 pieces, we are happy and proud. I request the government to preserve this art (silver filigree).

The new generation doesn t want to learn this as it yields very less earning.

I lost my left hand in an accident in 2004, said Sahu while making silver souvenirs in his poorly lit room in Cuttack.

A total of 16 countries are participating in the 14th edition of the event. This is the third time that India is hosting the event after having organised it in 1982 in Mumbai and in 2010 in New Delhi.