Bhubaneswar, 06 October (H.S.): A concerted effort to promote research, documentation and dissemination of knowledge on the diverse dimensions of Shree Jagannath Consciousness can play a significant role in taking Odisha’s rich cultural heritage to the global stage, scholars and experts observed at a day-long workshop organised by the Odia Virtual Academy here on Tuesday.

The workshop brought together scholars, researchers, writers and subject experts for detailed deliberations on the multifaceted traditions, philosophy, history, literature, art and cultural heritage associated with Lord Shree Jagannath.

Presiding over the valedictory session, Secretary of the Odia Virtual Academy and Chief Executive Officer of the Odisha Computer Application Centre, Dr Pradeep Kumar Raut, emphasised the need to inspire the younger generation to develop a deeper interest in Odisha’s heritage and culture in the rapidly evolving digital era.

He said the workshop would contribute significantly to enriching the digital platform of the Academy by bringing together valuable research, knowledge and information relating to Shree Jagannath Consciousness.

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

During the two sessions, scholars deliberated on a wide range of subjects, including the evolution of Shree Jagannath philosophy, Nabakalebara, various Beshas of the deities, Mahaprasad, construction and consecration of chariots, festivals, and the history, art and sculpture of the Shree Jagannath Temple.

Discussions also covered rituals and practices, the traditional service system, the global spread of Shree Jagannath Consciousness, the representation of Lord Shree Jagannath in Odia and Sanskrit literature, the Matha tradition, and the presence of Shree Jagannath in Odisha’s dance and music traditions.

Scholars also explored the representation of Lord Shree Jagannath through diverse forms of art and craft, besides examining different philosophical interpretations of Shree Jagannath Consciousness.

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 Sujata Nanda Das and Manaswini Mishra, along with representatives from different districts of Odisha, shared their scholarly perspectives.

The workshop provided a platform for an extensive exchange of ideas on preserving the intellectual, cultural and spiritual dimensions of the Shree Jagannath tradition through systematic research and documentation.

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 also present.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda