Bhubaneswar, August 24:
Marking the completion of one year, the monthly discussion forum Odisha Manaska stepped into its 13th edition on Sunday. Conceived and curated by the Bhubaneswar-based grassroots think tank All Things Odisha, the platform has earned appreciation for its topical discussions on Odisha and Odia identity, drawing participation from people across diverse walks of life.
Hosted at the head office of ExtraOdinari and Safe Odisha For Her in Saheed Nagar, the 13th circle witnessed an engaging turnout of participants from various age groups and professions. The theme of the session, “Independence as a Spectrum: From Personal Freedoms to Collective Rights” sparked insightful reflections, with each speaker contributing perspectives rooted in lived experiences.
The discussion, facilitated by Sandip Bal and Sonali Priyadarsini, featured contributions from historian-author Anil Dhir and young voices such as Akankshita, Anwesha, Pratiksha, Chanchal, Mitra, Jayprakash, and Swatiswarupa.
Participants deliberated on the evolving meaning of independence, noting how personal freedoms and collective rights are shaped by constitutional guarantees as well as prevailing social dynamics. Young attendees emphasized the persistence of gender discrimination as a challenge to true independence, while others examined how power structures determine access to freedoms in contemporary society.
Launched in August 2024, Odisha Manaska has become a physical forum for thoughtful dialogue on issues of identity and culture, nurturing a democratic space where individuals exchange views, ideas, and experiences to mine collective wisdom.
