Bhubaneswar: The 14th edition of Odisha Manaska, the monthly community discussion forum of All Things Odisha, was held at Sahid Nagar on Sunday, bringing together participants from varied social, cultural, and professional backgrounds. The theme of the session, “Does Education Truly Create Equal Citizens in a Diverse Society?”, invited a wide range of reflections on the promises and pitfalls of the current education system.
The forum encouraged participants to share personal experiences of how education has shaped their identity and worldview. While many credited education with enabling self-awareness and personal growth, others stressed that lack of access to quality education continues to hold back a large section of society from realizing their potential.
Several participants argued that instead of bridging social inequalities, the existing system often deepens them, widening divides based on class and community. They emphasized that education in India remains primarily job-driven, overlooking its broader role in nurturing wisdom, empathy, and citizenship. The conversation pointed toward the need for an inclusive model of education that fosters equality and collective progress.
Despite critical observations, the session concluded on a hopeful note. Members expressed confidence that with a shift toward holistic, inclusive, and value-based learning, education can play a transformative role in building a more just society.
The discussion was moderated by Sandip Kumar Bal and Sonali Priyadarsini of All Things Odisha. Among the attendees were actor Partha Sarathi Ray, entrepreneur Anurag Behera, and Safe Odisha For Her founder Pranay Manjari, along with several young participants who contributed valuable insights.
Launched in August 2024, Odisha Manaska is an initiative of All Things Odisha to provide an open platform for dialogue on Odisha, identity, and the lived realities of its people, fostering collective wisdom through monthly gatherings.