The Philosophy Programme under the School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy and Eco-Spiritualism (TCPE), KISS-DU organized a seminar on ‘The Philosophy of Bhima Bhoi and Mahima Dharma’ on 15th September 2022. Speaking on the origin and the philosophy of Bhima Bhoi, the second disciple of Mahima Swami, Professor Sarat Chandra Panigrahi, Professor Emeritus said, “As the propagator of the cult by his simple, heart-touching bhajans, cautisas and jananas, Mahima Dharma gained popularity in the nook and corner of the state. Bhima can truly be called as a Saint-poet, who expressed his concern for the marginalia especially their sufferings in the state due to narrow fellow-feelings owing to caste-system and dominance of orthodox brahmins. Bhima advocated Jnana-Mishra-Bhakti as the means to get salvation”.
Bhima Bhoi Research Chair Professor Harischandra Sahoo explained different philosophical aspects of Bhima Bhoi’s works like the Theory of Creation (Srusti-tattwa), Avataravada, Sunnya Purusa, Pinda-Brahmanda Tattwa, Guru Tattwa and many other key concepts which play a vital role in understanding Bhima Bhoi’s literary work. Bhima was anticipating a new social order and expressed his concern for the mitigation of sufferings of human beings, he added. Dr. Ratnakar Mahapatra, Dean, School of TCPE described Bhima Bhoi as a Social Reformer. The seminar also witnessed a stimulating question and answer session.
Mr. Ramesh Chandra Panda, Head of the Philosophy Programme and Dr. Sujata Acharya, Principal, KISS also spoke on the occasion. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rajan. It was coordinated by Dr. Malay Kumar Bhoi from Philosophy Programme, KISS-DU.