BHU Inaugurates Second Edition of 'Know Odia, Know Odisha' Cultural Conclave
The second edition of the 'Know Odia, Know Odisha: A Window to Odia Cultural Heritage' conclave was officially inaugurated on Wednesday at the Malaviya Moolya Anusheelan Kendra in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. This significant event coincided with the Foundation Day of Odisha, adding a layer of historical and cultural resonance to the proceedings.
Inaugural Ceremony and Academic Emphasis
The inaugural session commenced with traditional ceremonies, including the garlanding of Lord Jagannatha and the bust of Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, followed by soulful renditions of the Kulgeet and the patriotic song 'Bande Utkal Janani'.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi underscored the critical importance of delving deeper into the legacy of Kavya Samrat Upendra Bhanja. He proposed the introduction of dedicated academic and research programs focused on Odia language studies. Prof. Chaturvedi highlighted Odia's status as a classical language and stressed the urgent need to bring its vast and rich literary heritage into the academic spotlight. He further called for enhanced student engagement, particularly among those with familiarity with Odia language and culture, and advocated for stronger outreach efforts within the university campus to boost participation.
Padma Shri awardee Ileana Citaristi shared her personal connection to the 'Know Odia, Know Odisha' initiative, explaining how it has profoundly shaped her identity. She recounted her journey of learning Chhau dance, which opened up a new dimension of Odisha's cultural tapestry for her.
Presiding over the function, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Shushma Ghildyal, spoke eloquently about Odisha's renowned textile traditions. She outlined upcoming academic initiatives, such as planned excursions and specialized study programs, all aimed at fostering deeper cultural learning. Prof. Ghildyal reaffirmed the faculty's unwavering support for the Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Odia Chair, noting that its success is a collective endeavor involving students and faculty from various departments.
Academic Sessions and Cultural Performances
In his welcome address, Coordinator Prof. Gopabandhu Mishra detailed the Odia Chair's holistic mission to promote all facets of Odisha's culture—encompassing language, literature, dance, music, and heritage—with steadfast support from the Government of Odisha. Prof. Pradosh Mishra outlined the conclave's core objectives, emphasizing its role in positioning Odisha's cultural traditions within modern academic discourse and reinforcing their relevance in India's broader cultural landscape.
The first academic session featured Prof. Satyabrata Rout, an expert in Odia theatre scenography and direction, who delivered an insightful lecture titled 'Odia Theatre: Tradition, Transition and Contemporary Possibilities.' He traced the evolution of Odia theatre, highlighting its contemporary relevance. Prof. Rout elaborated on the emergence of dedicated theatre groups and noted a major milestone in 1975: the institutionalization of theatre through the establishment of a theatre department at Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar, significantly influenced by the pedagogical methods of the National School of Drama and professionals trained in acting and stagecraft.
The second thematic session was led by eminent Odissi exponent and Padma Shri awardee Ileana Citaristi, who spoke on 'Odissi and the Gita Govinda.' She illuminated the deep cultural heritage of Odisha through the enduring legacy of the Lord Jagannatha Temple and Jayadeva's Gita Govinda. Citaristi explained how this sacred poem became integral to temple rituals and inspired Odisha's rich artistic traditions, particularly the Mahari dance heritage and its evolution into the classical Odissi form. The lecture underscored the centrality of Radha as a spiritual and literary figure. Citaristi also highlighted the crucial role of the Odia language, medieval Odia poetry, and folk traditions in shaping the expressive depth of Odissi, especially through the evolution of Ashtapadi compositions and their interpretation in solo dance.
The first day of the conclave concluded with a vibrant cultural program, featuring a captivating Gotipua dance performance by the Murchhana Dance Academy from Bhubaneswar.
Agenda for the Two-Day Conclave
The two-day conclave is designed to cover a wide spectrum of Odisha's cultural and social landscape through dedicated sessions. The agenda includes:
- Odia Theatre: Tradition, Transition and Contemporary Possibilities
- Odissi and Geeta Govinda
- The Vanishing Pata Textile Tradition of Kotpad
- Locating Gender in Odisha's Development Discourse
- Sacred Kitchens to Social Scrolls: The Rise of Odia Culinary Culture
This comprehensive program aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Odisha's multifaceted heritage, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary academic inquiry.
