Jamshedpur: Veteran Chhau mask maker Sushanta Kumar Mahapatra from Seraikela, who was named for the Sangeet Natak Akademi awards, said his journey of over six decades has been driven by a desire to protect Jharkhand’s cultural heritage.“Every morning when I wake up, the first thought that comes to my mind is how to preserve and promote the traditional craft of Chhau mask-making and costume art,” the 76-year-old artisan said.That passion led him to establish Jagannath Kala Kendra, a Chhau mask-making training centre in Seraikela, in 2000. It trains artisans under the ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’ scheme of the Akademi. “More than 20 students have completed their training at the institute over the past two years,” he said.His children, Sumit and Anubha, both trained in the craft, help run the centre and create the intricate masks. Mahapatra credits his uncle, Prashanna Kumar Mahapatra, for introducing him to the art, calling the skill a divine gift passed down through generations. He began learning at 10 and has remained devoted ever since..Mahapatra thanked the Akademi for selecting him but said the recognition should have come much earlier. The Akademi announced his name on Wednesday for six decades of craftsmanship and dedication to preserving the traditional mask-making and costume art of Seraikela style of Chhau. “Had this award come a few decades earlier, it would have given me even greater satisfaction. Nevertheless, I am happy and grateful,” said Mahapatra.Mahapatra has travelled to 10 countries with Chhau troupes and independently for workshops, exhibitions and conferences. Honours include a Union culture ministry senior scholarship in 1973, a fellowship and Jharkhand’s Rajya Sanskriti Samman in 2007, and Odisha’s Guru Brahma award in 2022. “I have received several awards. The Padma award is one that I am yet to receive,” Mahapatra said.
