Bhubaneswar: Heritage and Identity are intrinsically intertwined with each other. What communities leave behind becomes their heritage. Heritage bears the timestamps of the communities living during that period. But beyond these tangible inheritances there are intangible cultural footprints that keep on evolving with time and space. There are also natural heritages that anchor the civilizations and sustain life forms, said experts here on Sunday.
In the 18th edition of Odisha Manaska, participants discussed the nuances of heritage and identity from their lived experiences and acquired knowledge while exploring the diverse aspects of both, and broadening their learning horizon. The theme of discussion for this month’s session was ‘Heritage and Identity: Looking Beyond Monuments, Exploring Diversity’.
Participants explored multiple aspects of heritage and identity while shedding light on the complex interrelationship between the two. All Things Odisha, a Bhubaneswar-based aspiring think-tank and collective wisdom miner, organized its monthly discussion event, Odisha Manaska on January 18 at the head office of ExtraOdinari and Safe Odisha For Her (SOFH) in Saheed Nagar here.
In the context of Odisha that’s so diverse and vibrant Heritage extends far beyond monuments and grand narratives. Heritage here lives in languages, landscapes, rituals, crafts, food, music, and everyday practices shaped by region, community, and ecology.
From coastal villages and riverine deltas to forested highlands and tribal heartlands, Odisha’s identity is formed through both tangible heritage-temples, architecture, artefacts-and intangible traditions such as oral histories, festivals, and knowledge systems. Natural heritage, including forests, rivers, and the sea, further anchor cultural belonging. Together, these diverse heritages shape multiple Odia identities, reminding us that Odisha is not a singular story but a mosaic of lived experiences, memories, and shared futures.
While the session was conducted by Sandip Bal and Sonali Priyadarsini, young aspiring entrepreneur Anurag, Indie-film producer Swastik, food researcher Rutu Pattnaik, two students from Lady Shreeram College, Delhi University- Arisha & Heena and ExtraOrdinari member Akanksha also participated.
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