Panel Discussion on “Radha-Krishna Prem in the Enrichment of Odia Language” Held on the Tenth Day of Bhashapaksha Observance by OBBA
Balasore, 07/05 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty) — On the tenth day of Bhashapaksha observance, the Odia Bhasha Bikasha Andolana (OBBA) organized a panel discussion titled “Radha-Krishna Prem in the Enrichment of Odia Language” under the stewardship of Niranjan Raut.
Speakers delved into how the divine love between Radha and Krishna (Radha-Krishna Prem)—beginning from the times of Sarala Das—has profoundly enriched Odia literature through various narrative and poetic traditions spanning the medieval and Padavali periods. Eminent scholar Dr. Bhagabat Behera reflected on major works such as Dinakrushna’s Rasakallola, Abhimanyu Samantsinghara’s Bidagdha Chintamani, Kabisurjya Baladeba Ratha’s Kishora Chandranana Champu, and Debadurlabha Das’s Rahasya Manjari.
Dr. Behera emphasized the uniqueness of Bidagdha Chintamani, especially its portrayal of transcendental and ineffable love, calling it unparalleled in Indian literature. While Rama and Sita symbolize earthly (prākṛta) love, Radha and Krishna embody the mystical (aprākṛta) love—a concept traceable to Jayadeva’s compositions. He also brought Ramakanta Rath’s modern epic 'Shriradha' into the scope of discussion for its contemporary resonance.
In the opening remarks, OBBA secretary Dr. Laxmikant Tripathy noted how the Baul tradition played a vital role in globally disseminating the spiritual essence of Radha-Krishna’s divine love. Jumarnath Patra welcomed the guests, Shantilata Panda proposed a vote of thanks, and Kalyani Nanda with Banamali Das presented an Odissi musical performance themed on Radha-Krishna.
On this occasion, celebrated short story writer Nibaran Jena, recipient of the Padmaja Sahitya Samman, was felicitated with best wishes and formal honors.
Among those present were Sarat Kumar Mahapatra, Karunakar Sa, Prafulla Kumar Das, Rajendranath Raut, Pandit Sanjay Kumar Panda, Prabhakar Sahu, Hemendra Mahapatra, Deepak Das, Narendranath Panigrahi, Shanti Bishi, Krishna Pradhan, Aruna Ray, Dr. Kshitiswara Dash, Deepak Bose, Lambodara Nayak, Laxmikanta Behera, Madhusudan Majhi, Mahendra Prasad Panigrahi, Pitambar Das, Abanti Pradhan, Nityananda Rout, Sangram Keshari Mohanty, Ramakanta Mohanty, and Kamalakanta Dash.
