Odisha Manaska Sparks Reflections on How Curiosity and Beliefs Shape Our Identities

Bhubaneswar, November 9:
The 16th edition of Odisha Manaska, the monthly discussion circle by city-based aspiring think tank All Things Odisha, was held on Sunday at the head office of ExtraOdinari and Safe Odisha For Her (SOFH) in Saheed Nagar.

This month’s theme, “Between Knowing and Believing: How We Make Opinions and Identities,” invited participants to reflect on how our knowledge and belief systems influence the way we see the world and define ourselves.

The discussion, moderated by Sandip Bal and Sonali Priyadarsini, encouraged participants to explore how beliefs often confine us within our comfort zones and prevent us from seeking deeper understanding. “We live in times when information is abundant but wisdom is scarce. Knowing and believing are not the same; our ability to question determines how we grow,” noted one participant.

The interactive session saw active participation from Monalisa Padhee, Nachiketa, Aditya, Akankshita, Alka, and Pranay Manjari, among others. Participants spoke candidly from their lived experiences, exchanging views in an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect, a hallmark of the Odisha Manaska tradition.

In today’s world of fast-spreading misinformation, the speakers emphasized the need for critical thinking and discernment. They noted that while information is at everyone’s fingertips, distinguishing truth from falsehood remains a challenge. The circle collectively agreed that nurturing rational thought is essential to protect authentic knowledge systems from the noise of fake narratives.

Since its inception in August 2024, Odisha Manaska has become a vibrant space for dialogue on issues of identity, culture, and lived experience. Over the months, it has brought together people from diverse walks of life to share ideas and build collective understanding, one conversation at a time.