The seventh edition of the Odisha Literary Festival 2018 kick started here on Saturday with lightening of lamp by Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal in the presence of a host of dignitaries.

The Governor posed whether there should be a code of conduct for journalists so that newspaper would be a bridge between people and the State. A session on “Why does religion matter so much” was held being moderated by eminent journalist Ashutosh.

While opening the discussion The Pioneer Editor and former Member of Parliament Chandan Mitra observed, “Religion was never a private affair even though many people say it is a private affair. Hinduism is a way of life, not a private affair.”

Mitra added during the Ibrahim phase and till today, there are prayers among Muslims and Christians in mosques and churches on Friday and Saturday, respectively, but nothing like this is in Hinduism. Hindus have religious congregations like during Holi and various Pujas.

“There are two things that come to mind: one is spirituality and other is religion though there are conflicts between the two. I don’t want to compare between these two. Religion is manifestation of spirituality. Spirituality is like a private affair when there are some essential components like reciting mantras, meditation, etc,” Dr Mitra said.

Of late, he said a new phenomenon has come to fore called Shiva Kamal Yatra or Bom Bhole. This trend is purely a transition from private affairs; and people are becoming more sentimental organising camps and community kitchens for them and mostly young people are attracted to this. It has been part of religious calendar in north India. We often see these people in groups clash with ordinary people. This is not part of religion.

Dr Mitra referred to the spurt in increasing religiosity world over. Even a few groups came to power in some countries with their assertive views on religion. But fortunately in India, because of our tolerance and diversity we are not being touched by this syndrome. We need to debate whether it is because of reaction to materialism or because of more inclusion of technology.

Rakesh Sinha, Author, RSS ideologue and MP, stressed on understanding religion on historical viewpoint.

Congress leader, author and former Minister of State for External Affairs Salman Khurshid spoke on “Why religion is important today”.

He made fresh attempt to put ‘Dharma’ over religion.

Ashutosh in his opening remark stated, “In the present juncture, religion is so important and a way of life, you cannot just escape.”