A sublime message of bliss, brotherhood, respect to women and restraint in family life is what the Jagannath faith sends to both its believers and infidels across the world, said speakers at an international webinar on “Impact of Jagannath Culture on the Universal Euphoria” hosted by the PG Department of Odia, Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College here recently.The webinar was presided over by Dr Chitta Ranjan Panda, Head of the Department of Odia.
Participating in the webinar Chairman, Shree Jagannath Society of UK, London, Dr Sahadev Swain described how the Jagannath Culture preaches that happy family life is key to a happy universe.
Eminent writer and editor Dr Nilamadhab Kar from Wolverhampton, UK, spoke on the significance of Anasar, an annual ritual observed in the Jagannath Temple before the famous Car Festival and on how that reminds mankind to observe the same restraint in order to be blessed with a happy and peaceful family life while pointing at how practices of Ayurvedic medicine helps us contain the Covid pandemic.
Cultural Secretary of OSUK, London, Dr Bhagyashree Singh said feminism and empowerment of women underlies the core of the Jagannath cult, citing the anecdote of Goddess Laxmi and unmatchable courage shown by Sita in the great epic Ramayana. Famous artist and writer Prafulla Mohanti from London, who owns the credit of glorifying Indian art on the soil of England, spoke about the charm of the large round eyes of Lord Jagannath that it is the main source of endless pleasure on the earth.
Tarun Agasti, founder of Living Bliss, Canberra, Australia said the Rath Yatra preaches amity and brotherhood in the world.
Dr Narasingha Charan Panda, former Professor of Silpakorn University, Bangkok and present Professor of Punjab University, opined that irrespective of caste, creed, class, gender, the Jagannath Culture always holds its motto of wishing wellbeing of the human society.
College Principal Prof Jaweda Hussain, Dr Sugyani Sahoo, Dr Sanjita Mishra, Dr Narendra Nath Nayak, Dr Kamal Mahunta, Dr Archanamayee Panda, Dr Sushanta Kumar Mohanty and Dr Tapas Kumar Das were present.Over 100 students, researchers from across the country virtually participated in the webinar.