Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University, in collaboration with the Odia Research Council, Cuttack, organized a pioneering conference on Jagannath Das' Mahabharata. The event, held at the university campus, brought together esteemed scholars and researchers to delve into the significance of this ancient text.
Renowned linguist Professor Bibudhendra Narayan Pattnaik, the chief guest, highlighted the uniqueness of Jagannath Das' Mahabharata, emphasizing its importance in Odia literature. The text is a synthesis of Vyasadev's Sanskrit Mahabharata, Sarala Das' Odia Mahabharata, and the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, presented in a concise and thoughtful manner ¹.
The conference also saw the presence of Dr. Asit Mohanty, Vice-President of the Oriya Research Council, and Professor Gayatri Bala Panda, Head of the Department of Ancient History. They shed light on the research and study initiatives undertaken by the Department of Ancient History, including the preparation of a text-based edition of Sarokhadas Mahabharata and digitization of rare books.
The event commenced with a silent prayer for the departed soul of poet Padmabhushan Ramakant Rath. Eminent scholars, researchers, and students attended the discussion, making it a enriching experience for all.
This conference marked a significant milestone in the academic exploration of Jagannath Das' Mahabharata, fostering a deeper understanding of Odia literature and culture.