Odisha Manaska’s Seventh Circle Explores Love and Identity in Cultural Narratives

Bhubaneswar: The seventh edition of Odisha Manaska, a thought-provoking discussion and collective wisdom gathering series organized by All Things Odisha, was held at the collective space of Extra Odinari and Safe Odisha for Her in Saheed Nagar. This month’s theme, “Love and Identity: Expressions, Experiences, and Cultural Narratives with Respect to Odisha,” sparked a deep and engaging conversation on the evolving perceptions of love in society.

Participants delved into how personal struggles, societal norms, and cultural conditioning shape expressions of love and identity. The discussion critically examined how mass media, particularly cinema, portrays love primarily through a romantic lens, often overlooking its complexity and intersection with self-identity and cultural boundaries.

A significant aspect of the discussion was the role of marriage in Indian society. While often seen as an extension of love, marriage—especially inter-caste and inter-faith unions—continues to face societal resistance, highlighting the deep-rooted conditional nature of love within cultural frameworks.

Speakers, who were from various walks of life, also touched upon gendered experiences, noting that while women are conditioned to seek romantic love, they are often discouraged from openly expressing it. Men, on the other hand, face social stigma for showing affection, which is perceived as weakness. The conversation further acknowledged the exclusion of disabled individuals and LGBTQIA+ communities from mainstream narratives of love, shedding light on their struggles for emotional acceptance.

The dialogue extended beyond romance to recognize love in its many forms—platonic, familial, and even compassion for nature and strangers. However, participants noted that modern society often restricts the definition of love, leading young people to struggle with identity when idealized notions of romance remain unfulfilled.

Technology’s influence on love and relationships was also debated, with concerns over the commercialization of emotions in the digital age. While earlier expressions of love were organic, today’s romantic engagements are increasingly curated and monetized.

Despite societal constraints, the conversation carried an air of optimism. Changing family structures and growing acceptance of LGBTQIA+ relationships signalled progress, even as political and cultural forces continue to regulate intimate choices. The discussion underscored that love should be built on mutual respect and the freedom to express oneself authentically.

A key takeaway was the need to educate future generations to embrace love in all its forms, free from caste, gender, and societal restrictions. With new generations losing the essential elements like patience in love, the equal, mutual and reciprocal aspects of love was stressed upon. The session concluded with a collective aspiration for a more inclusive and compassionate world—one where love is not just an institution, but an evolving force that fosters growth and acceptance.

With such dialogues gaining momentum, Odisha Manaska continues to offer a vital platform for reshaping cultural narratives and fostering a deeper understanding of social realities.