The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies (AYOS) organised a two-day national conference on ‘ Smriti literature’ here on Saturday and Sunday being inaugurated on the first day by Prof Alekh Chandra Sadangi, former Vice-Chancellor, Sri Jagannath Sanskrit Visvavidyalaya (SJSV), Puri, and with Prof Madhav Chandra Panda, HOD, Department of Dharmasastra, SJSV, Puri, as guest of honour. The meeting was presided over by Dr Bijay Kumar Swain, former Principal, Maharsi College, Bhubaneswar.
In an introductory speech, AYOS Director Dr Indulata Das said the difference between a god and a demon is the presence and absence of dharma. The scripture which defines dharma is known as Dharmasastra or Smriti. Smritis are the moral codes of conduct of a society and its members. It is also the penal code of the state. Manu Smriti had been the Constitution of India for millennia.
Prof Sadangi said Manusmriti teaches high human values. It has earned fame and respect throughout the world. Prof Panda said the division of Varna and Asrama is an excellent provision. Dharma should be changed with time but without changing the basic principles of it. Dr Swain said dharma does not mean religion; it means the human duties.
The valedictory session on Sunday was presided over by eminent scholar Arun Kumar Upadhyaya. Prof Prativa Manjari Rath of the Department of Sanskrit, Utkal University, and senior journalist Sugyan Choudhury were guests. Dr Indulata Das delivered the welcome speech. Choudhury said Manu is pragmatic, practical and vibrant. He is the eternal sociologist of all times. Prof Rath said Manusmriti aims at upholding the eternal human values. Manu has attached maximum importance on development and retention of man’s character.