Bhima Bhoi occupies a unique place in the spiritual and socio-cultural movement of Odisha. A Literary Forum on Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi was organized by Kendriya Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Bhima Bhoi Research Chair, KISS-DU and Bhima Bhoi Research Chair, G.M. University, Sambalpur on 22nd July 2022. Students and research scholars of both the Universities, distinguished speakers, invited guests, senior functionaries and Professors Emeriti, KISS-DU attended the program. The distinguished speakers opined that Bhima Bhoi’s humanistic approach is reflected in uncountable poems dedicated to Mahima Swami for the upliftment of the downtrodden class in society.
This literary forum provided insights on the theme ‘Panchasakha Tradition and Bhima Bhoi’. The meeting started with a prayer on Bhima Bhoi by the Cultural Wing of KISS-DU. Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice-Chancellor, KISS-DU presided over the meeting, and Dr. Bijay Kuamr Nanda, Dr. Fanindum Deo, and Professor Pradip Kumar Panda presented research papers on different aspects of Panchasakha and Bhima Bhoi like the Concept of Reality (Sunnnya Brahma), Theory of Creation (Srusti Tattwa), Pinda-Brahmanda Theory, Role of Guru (Guru Tattwa) which are common to both the groups. Bhima Bhoi goes one step ahead of the panchasakha by emphasizing on Gyana-Mishra-Bhakti.
Professor N. Nagaraju, Vice-Chancellor, G.M. University in his address expressed that there is a need for extensive research on the topic. Dr. Pradipta Kumar Panda, Member, Sahitya Akademi delivered the Welcome Address and Professor Bijayananda Singh presented the multifarious activities of Sahitya Akademi. Professor Harischandra Sahoo, Chair Professor, Bhima Bhoi Research Chair, KISS-DU delivered the keynote address.
Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, KISS-DU proposed a vote of thanks to the members present. Dr. K.C. Mahali, Director General, Professor Jugal Kishore Mishra, Chair Professor, Madhusudan Das Research Chair, KISS-DU, Professor Sarat Chandra Panigrahi, Professor Emeritus, KISS-DU and Professor Nirmal Chandra Dash, Professor Emeritus, KISS-DU graced the occasion. Among others, Dr. Sujata Acharya, Dr. Tripura Mishra, Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, and other faculty members, research scholars and students participated in the forum. The event was coordinated by Ms. Saswati Jena, faculty member, KISS-DU.