New Delhi / Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to the traditional arts and heritage of India in general and particularly that of Odisha, Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman and Managing Director of MGM Group, recently emphasized his commitment to the state’s cultural identity through active patronage and grassroots support.
His philanthropic reach recently extended to the national stage with a visit to the India Art Fair 2026. During the exhibition, Shri Mohanty engaged with a diverse array of brilliant artists, offering support for their invaluable paintings and highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between heavy industry and the delicate world of creative expression.
His presence at such high-profile art events underscores a vision where industrial success and cultural stewardship go hand in hand. Through the CSR initiatives of the MGM Group, Shri Mohanty continues to champion the cause of Odia pride, ensuring that the state’s rich craftsmanship and artistic brilliance receive the recognition they deserve on the global map.
Known as a dedicated connoisseur of the arts, Shri Mohanty has been instrumental in revitalizing the bell metal sector, a traditional craft that forms the backbone of several artisan communities in Odisha. By extending financial assistance and modern market connectivity to these craftsmen, he has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the ancient techniques of kansa and brass work continue to thrive in a contemporary economy.
Shri Mohanty, Chairman and Managing Director of the MGM Group, has emerged as a central figure in the preservation of Odisha’s indigenous heritage, earning the title of the savior of the dying art of kansa. His dedicated efforts to revitalize the traditional bell metal sector have reached a significant milestone with the launch of the landmark publication, Kansa: Forging Traditions, Shaping Futures. This initiative, undertaken by the MGM Foundation in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar Experimental Art and Design Studio, serves as a vital historical document and a strategic roadmap for the craft’s survival.
The publication is the culmination of intensive field research across eighteen craft villages in Odisha, documenting the intricate techniques, specialized practices, and personal histories of master artisans. For centuries, bell metal has been a cornerstone of Odia households and sacred rituals, valued for its unique golden luster and resonant acoustic properties. However, the craft faced a severe decline as modern mass-produced materials began to displace traditional hand-forged items. Shri Mohanty has been a vocal advocate for the inherent value of these pieces, frequently advising the public to preserve and cherish bell metal works as future antiques rather than replacing them with modern alternatives.
Under Shri Mohanty’s leadership, the MGM Group’s support for the bell metal sector goes beyond documentation. The initiative aims to empower the hands that shape the metal by creating a sustainable ecosystem for the artisans. By bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern market needs, the program seeks to ensure that these invaluable skills are passed down to younger generations. This commitment to the kansa sector is part of a broader cultural vision that includes major patronage of Odissi dance through the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival and active engagement with the contemporary art scene, most recently evidenced by his support for artists at the India Art Fair.
Through these focused interventions, Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty is ensuring that the rhythmic sound of the artisan’s hammer continues to echo in the workshops of Odisha, securing a future where traditional craftsmanship remains a living, thriving part of the state’s identity.
Beyond his contributions to handicrafts, the MGM Group Chief has maintained a long-standing association with the performing arts. His support for Odissi dance and music has provided vital platforms for both legendary maestros and emerging talents, helping preserve the classical nuances of Odisha’s cultural legacy.