Bhubaneswar, 6th October 2026: A concerted effort to promote research, documentation and dissemination of new knowledge on the diverse dimensions of Shree Jagannath Consciousness can play a significant role in taking Odisha’s rich cultural ethos to the global stage, experts observed at a day-long workshop organised by the Odia Virtual Academy. The workshop, organised under the aegis of the Odia Virtual Academy, brought together scholars, researchers, writers and subject experts to deliberate on the multifaceted traditions, philosophy, history, literature, art and cultural heritage associated with Lord ShreeJagannath. Presiding over the valedictory session, Secretary, Odia Virtual Academy and Chief Executive Officer of OCAC, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Raut, said that in the rapidly evolving digital era, it is imperative to inspire the younger generation to develop a deeper interest in Odisha’s heritage and culture. He observed that the workshop would contribute significantly towards 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 the workshop convenor, Dr. Krushna Keshab Sarangi, and coordinator, Dr. Bhubanananda Adhikari. During the two sessions scholars deliberated on a wide range of subjects such as evolution of Shree Jagannath philosophy, Nabakalebara, the various Beshas of the deities, Mahaprasad, construction and consecration of the chariots, various festivals, the history, art and sculpture of the Shree Jagannath Temple, rituals and practices, traditional service system, the global spread of Shree Jagannath Consciousness, Shree Jagannath in Odia and Sanskrit literature, the Matha tradition, Shree Jagannath in dance and music traditions, the representation of Lord Shree Jagannath in diverse forms of art and craft and 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 of the subject. The workshop provided a platform for an enriching exchange of ideas on the need to preserve 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 Academy, were present.
Workshop on Shree Jagannath Consciousness Organised by Odia Virtual Academy Scholars call for greater research and documentation
