Odisha Virtual Academy workshop brings researchers, writers and experts together to document the many dimensions of Jagannath culture
BHUBANESWAR: Efforts to document and digitally preserve the diverse intellectual, cultural and spiritual dimensions associated with Lord Jagannath received fresh impetus at a workshop organised by the Odia Virtual Academy in Bhubaneswar.
The workshop brought together researchers, writers, scholars and experts to discuss ways of strengthening research and documentation on Jagannath consciousness and making newer information and knowledge accessible to younger generations.
Speaking at the concluding session, Odia Virtual Academy Secretary and OKAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Pradeep Kumar Rout said the rapidly changing digital environment creates an opportunity to connect young people more closely with Odisha’s heritage and cultural traditions.
He said the workshop would contribute to enriching the Academy’s digital platform with research-based material and help create wider interest in Jagannath heritage among the younger generation.
The discussions covered a wide range of subjects, reflecting the many layers of Jagannath culture and its evolution over time.
Scholars deliberated on the development of Jagannath philosophy, Nabakalebara, the traditional attire of the deities, Mahaprasad, construction and consecration of the chariots, various festivals and journeys of the deities, the history of the Jagannath Temple, art and sculpture, temple rituals and the servitor tradition.
The workshop also examined the global spread of Jagannath traditions, references to Jagannath in Odia and Sanskrit literature, the role of monasteries, Jagannath’s influence on dance and music, his representation in different forms of art and craft, diverse philosophical interpretations and the significance of Srikshetra.
The programme was conducted by workshop convenor Dr Krishnakeshab Sadangi and coordinator Dr Bhuvananda Adhikari.
Researchers and specialists from different districts participated in the sessions. Among those who shared their perspectives were Harekrushna Pratihari, Srinibas Acharya, Asit Mohanty, Bhaskar Mishra, Purnachandra Mishra, Pitabas Rautray, Abhaya Kumar Nayak, Krishnakeshab Sadangi, Babaji Charan Patnaik, Premananda Mahapatra, Krushnachandra Mishra, Biswanath Samantaray, Debaprasad Dash, Purnachandra Gochhikar, Naresh Chandra Dash, Subash Chandra Dash, Mrutyunjay Rath, Chintamani Biswal, Padmanabha Tripathy, Sanat Sujatananda Das and Manaswini Mishra.
Senior technical manager Smrutiranjan Mishra, advisers Surya Mishra and Sachhidananda Panda, Debananda Bhanja, Debendranath Mohanty and Academy special officer Srinibas Mishra were also present.
The workshop highlighted the need to combine scholarship, documentation and digital technology so that knowledge surrounding Jagannath culture can be preserved, organised and made accessible beyond geographical boundaries.
GTNS | BHUBANESWAR