Research on Jagannath Consciousness can take Odisha’s cultural ethos to global stage: Experts

Bhubaneswar: Systematic research, documentation and wider dissemination of knowledge on the diverse dimensions of Shree Jagannath Consciousness can help take Odisha’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience, experts said at a day-long workshop organised by the Odia Virtual Academy.

The workshop brought together scholars, researchers, writers and subject experts to discuss the various philosophical, historical, literary, artistic and cultural dimensions of the Shree Jagannath tradition.

Experts emphasised the need for greater documentation of the intellectual and spiritual traditions associated with Lord Shree Jagannath, particularly in the context of the growing importance of digital platforms in preserving and sharing cultural knowledge.

Focus on taking heritage to younger generation

Presiding over the valedictory session, Dr Pradeep Kumar Raut, Secretary of the Odia Virtual Academy and Chief Executive Officer of OCAC, stressed the importance of engaging the younger generation with Odisha’s cultural heritage in the digital age.

He said there was a need to encourage young people to develop a deeper interest in the state’s history, traditions and cultural identity.

Raut observed that the discussions and research presented at the workshop could contribute to strengthening the Odia Virtual Academy’s digital repository by bringing together valuable information and scholarship on Shree Jagannath Consciousness.

The programme was conducted by workshop convenor Dr Krushna Keshab Sarangi and coordinator Dr Bhubanananda Adhikari.

Scholars discuss multiple dimensions of Jagannath tradition

The two sessions covered a wide range of subjects connected with the Shree Jagannath tradition.

Discussions included the evolution of Shree Jagannath philosophy, Nabakalebara, various Beshas of the deities, Mahaprasad, construction and consecration of chariots, festivals, temple history, art and sculpture, rituals and practices and the traditional service system.

Scholars also examined the global spread of Shree Jagannath Consciousness and its representation in Odia and Sanskrit literature, the Matha tradition, dance and music, visual arts and crafts.

Different philosophical interpretations of Shree Jagannath Consciousness were also discussed, highlighting the diverse intellectual traditions that have developed around the Jagannath culture over the centuries.

Call for systematic documentation

The workshop provided a platform for scholars and researchers from different parts of Odisha to exchange views on preserving the intellectual, cultural and spiritual dimensions of the Jagannath tradition through systematic research and documentation.

Among those who shared their scholarly perspectives were Harekrushna Pratihari, Srinivas Acharya, Asit Mohanty, Bhaskar Mishra, Purna Chandra Mishra, Pitabas Rautaray, Abhaya Kumar Nayak, Krushna Keshab Sarangi, Babaji Charan Pattnaik, Premananda Mahapatra, Krushna Chandra Mishra, Biswanath Samantaray, Debaprasad Dash, Purna Chandra Gochhikar, Naresh Chandra Dash, Subash Chandra Dash, Mrutyunjaya Rath, Chintamani Biswal, Padmanabha Tripathy, Sanat Sujatananda Das and Manaswini Mishra, along with representatives from different districts of Odisha.

The discussions underlined the importance of creating a structured body of knowledge that can preserve traditional scholarship while making it accessible to researchers, students and younger generations through digital platforms.

Senior Technical Manager Smruti Ranjan Mishra, Advisors Surya Mishra, Sachchidananda Panda, Debananda Bhanja and Debendra Nath Mohanty, Special Officer of the Academy Srinibas Mishra and other officials of the Odia Virtual Academy were present at the workshop.