CUO organizes special lecture on “In Search of a Moral Hero: Case from Odisha

A thought-provoking special lecture titled “In Search of a Moral Hero: Case from Odisha” took center stage on March 20th, 2024, at the Central University of Odisha. Hosted by the Department of Economics at the Central University of Odisha, the event featured esteemed speaker Prof. Patitapaban Das, Professor of Philosophy and Director of IQAC at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack.

The program commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Minati Sahoo, Head of the Department of Economics, who introduced the topic. Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chakradhar Tripathi, extended his best wishes for the event, setting a tone of anticipation.

Prof. N C Panda, Registrar (I/c) & Dean of the School of Languages at the Central University of Odisha, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he commended the interdisciplinary nature of the lecture, emphasizing its significance beyond the realms of economics. He applauded the department for fostering dialogue on philosophical aspects of life, drawing from both Indian and Western perspectives.

During his insightful discourse, Prof. Patitapaban Das underscored the contemporary societal obsession with wealth, highlighting its adverse personal and societal impacts. He delved into the concept of Purusarthas in Indian tradition, drawing from epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Through the lens of Odisha’s unsung hero, Santhakabi Bhimabhoi, he elucidated the psychological processes involved in identifying moral exemplars in life.

The session witnessed a vibrant exchange of ideas between the speaker and the audience, comprising faculty members, students, and research scholars from various departments. Dr. Prasant Kumar Behera, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, conveyed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the enriching discourse.

In a concurrent event, the Department of Economics unveiled its Wall Magazine “The Thinking Tree,” inaugurated by the resource person and Prof. N. C. Panda. Ms. Priyanshi Upadhaya, a postgraduate student, led the inauguration, while Ms. Binita Jani delivered the vote of thanks.

The event was impeccably coordinated by Ms. Krutideepa Mohanty, a second-year postgraduate student in the Department of Economics, CUO. Dr. Phagunath Bhoi, Public Relations Officer, ensured the dissemination of event highlights to wider audiences.