ABOUT ME

Upendra Nath Giri is a name synonymous with the resurgence of Odia stone carving. Based in Balasore, Odisha, he is a National Level awardee whose journey from the humble village of Nuapadhi to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of devotion to one's craft.

Early Struggles and Resilience

Born into a family facing extreme financial hardship, Upendra’s early life was defined by grit. His pursuit of education was marked by personal sacrifice; during his college years, the lack of resources was so severe that he often repurposed his lunch—mixing remaining rice with water—to serve as his only meal for dinner.

Though his talent earned him admission to the prestigious Khallikote College of Art and Craft in Berhampur, the weight of unpaid fees eventually forced him to drop out. Undeterred, he returned to Balasore and worked as a manual laborer to save every rupee. His perseverance paid off when he finally self-funded and completed his degree from the Balasore Art and Crafts College.

Artistic Philosophy: The Master of Stone

For over two decades, Upendra has been a master practitioner of stone craft. His work is characterized by a rare "fusion of ancient Shastra, timeless form, and contemporary elegance." He does not merely carve stone; he breathes life into it, bridging the gap between Odisha’s storied architectural history and modern aesthetic sensibilities.

His mastery has earned him the highest accolades in the nation, including being felicitated by the President of India and the Governor, alongside numerous national-level honors.

A Legacy of Service and Spirituality

Despite his fame, Upendra remains an "extremely humble and simple" individual. His life is deeply rooted in spirituality and a profound love for the culture and history of India. This spiritual foundation translates into a life of philanthropy.

• Siddhi Vinayak Stone Works: Alongside his brother—a homeopathic doctor—Upendra operates their workshop in Balasore.

• A Family of Healers: The brothers share a common philosophy of service. While Upendra preserves culture through art, his brother follows the same path of compassion by treating patients free of charge.

Upendra Nath Giri stands as a living bridge between Odisha's glorious past and its artistic future—a soft-hearted visionary who proved that while poverty may limit one's resources, it can never limit one's reach.