Cuttack, Feb 2: For years, Odias living outside Odisha have struggled to buy authentic traditional handloom sarees online. Many customers often end up disappointed, either receiving poor-quality products or being forced to rely on offline stores, which demand time and effort to locate.

But now, a breakthrough innovation promises to change this experience forever.

A third-year student of Ravenshaw University’s Department of Information and Technology, Debi Prasad Mishra, has developed a unique website named “Dharohar” that can identify fake sarees online.

His innovation has already earned him recognition and a cash award from the Odisha government.

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Debi Prasad revealed that the idea came to him after he personally fell victim to online fraud. He once purchased a traditional Odia fabric online, paid the full amount, but received a product of inferior quality. Determined to prevent others from facing similar experiences, he began working on a solution in August last year. Within just five months, his project reached completion.

The Dharohar website is designed to benefit both customers and weavers. Often, buyers do not get sarees worth the price they pay, while genuine weavers fail to receive fair wages due to middlemen exploiting the system.

Dharohar directly connects customers with authentic handloom artisans, ensuring transparency and eliminating fraudulent traders. This means customers can purchase genuine products, while weavers receive rightful compensation for their craftsmanship.

To achieve this, Debi Prasad has integrated blockchain technology into the platform. Blockchain ensures that once product details are entered, they cannot be tampered with. Weavers can upload complete information about their sarees, which buyers can verify before making a purchase. This guarantees authenticity and builds trust between sellers and buyers.

Another key feature is the QR code system. Every saree listed on Dharohar will carry a QR code, which customers can scan to check product details, quality, and authenticity. If counterfeit items are introduced, the system can easily detect and flag them. This innovation is particularly aimed at promoting cottage industries, handloom, and handicrafts, giving artisans a secure digital marketplace.

Recognizing the importance of this project, the Odisha Higher Education Department awarded Debi Prasad ₹5 lakh and praised his contribution to preserving Odia heritage while leveraging modern technology. The government believes Dharohar will not only protect customers but also strengthen the handloom sector by empowering artisans.

With this initiative, Odisha’s traditional sarees and handloom products may finally find a safe and reliable digital platform, bridging the gap between artisans and buyers across the globe.