Bhubaneswar : MGM Foundation showcased The Similipal Initiative at the State Level Wildlife Week Celebration 2026, held at the Convention Centre, Loka Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, highlighting the rich ecological and cultural heritage of the Similipal Biosphere and the role of art in creating greater awareness about its unique landscape and wildlife.

The State Level Wildlife Week Celebration was organised with a focus on strengthening wildlife conservation, research, ecological awareness and responsible ecotourism in Odisha. The programme was graced by Hon’ble Minister, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Labour & Employees’ State Insurance, Odisha, Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, as the Chief Guest, along with Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Shri K. Murugesan, PCCF & HoFF, Odisha; Shri Prem Kumar Jha, PCCF (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha; and Shri Manoj V. Nair, Additional PCCF (Wildlife), along with senior Forest Department officials, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists.

As part of the event, MGM Foundation presented a curated display of The Similipal Initiative, featuring Bhit Patow on Paper and artworks created during the Similipal Artist Residency and Workshop conducted by the MGM Foundation at Similipal. The display brought together traditional cultural expression and contemporary artistic interpretations of Similipal’s forests, wildlife and communities.

Through the Similipal Initiative, MGM Foundation continues to explore creative and community-led approaches to fostering a deeper appreciation of Similipal’s biodiversity, tribal heritage and living cultural traditions.

At the event, Social Arts expert and the Curator of The Similipal Initiative Shri Veejayant Dash took art enthusiasts on an engaging journey through the rich traditions of Bhit Patow on Wall and Bhit Patow on Paper, exploring their stories, motifs and cultural significance.

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