The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 13, 2025
The sixth edition of Odisha Manaska, a vibrant community discourse platform organized by All Things Odisha, took place on Sunday at the Safe Odisha For Her head office in Saheed Nagar, here. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of around 30 individuals from various fields, who engaged in an in-depth discussion on the theme, “Cultural Confidence or Identity Confusion: The Crisis of Odia Youth in a Migrant World.”
The dialogue centred around the challenges that Odia youth face in preserving their cultural heritage amid the pressures of migration and globalization. Participants shared personal experiences, insights, and oral narratives that brought to light the identity dilemmas encountered by Odias across different social strata.
Adding a cultural dimension to the event, the cast of the forthcoming Odia film ‘Angel’ unveiled the film’s poster and highlighted its unique cultural themes. Their presence underscored the intersection of contemporary culture and traditional identity, a key point of reflection during the discussions.
Participants examined several critical issues, such as the erosion of cultural ties due to migration, the lack of inclusivity within Odia culture, and the inadequate representation of Odia history and geography in school curricula. They pointed out the rigidity of certain cultural practices and the absence of contemporary Odia icons, which contribute to the identity confusion among the youth.
The discourse also shed light on the plight of tribal youth and labour migrants, whose prolonged separation from their cultural roots exacerbates the crisis. Several attendees shared personal stories of asserting their Odia identity outside Odisha, while others spoke of rediscovering and taking pride in their heritage.
Actor Partha Sarathi Ray narrated his journey of reconnecting with his Odia identity during his early career in Delhi and Mumbai. Similarly, actor-producer Swastik Choudhury discussed his rediscovery of Odia culture after moving to Chennai for work. Women’s rights activist Pranay Manjari Samal reflected on her experiences with Odia students at Azim Premji University, emphasizing the prevalent identity dilemmas.
National award-winning filmmaker Sankhajeet Dey provided insights into the socio-cultural impacts of displacement and migration on communities. Rhea Resham Bari, a tribal model, actor, and activist, highlighted the struggles of tribal communities forced to migrate, often witnessing the gradual erosion of their traditions. Young participants like Abinash Bairiganjan and Saurabh Pahi stressed the importance of relatable Odia icons and a cohesive popular culture. Filmmaker Siddarth Gautam lamented the declining use of the Odia language among children in private schools.
A consensus emerged on the urgent need to foster cultural pride, inclusivity, and resilience among Odias. The participants advocated for an education system that integrates Odia history, language, and traditions beyond superficial observances. They emphasized the importance of embracing Odisha’s cultural diversity and evolving the state’s identity in a manner that resonates with future generations.
Odisha Manaska once again proved to be a powerful platform for open dialogue, storytelling, and collective reflection. The rich exchange of ideas and experiences served as a significant step toward celebrating Odisha’s heritage while building a future anchored in cultural confidence and inclusivity.
