Odhisa became our 12th state and the last one in 2022 where we conducted the session to Stand for What’s Right, Combating Violence against Women in association with TVS Motor Company and JOSH TALKS. Here is the complete impact report of the outreach.
We were on the last leg of the sessions that needed to be completed on combating violence against women across India. Telangana and Karnataka were done in quick succession in November 2022 but one last one was still left pending. The schedule was tight with SABERA 2022 around the corner and the impending exams of the JOSH TALKS student coordinator Vanshika. In addition to this, the state colleges were also on the verge of going for their winter break. There was a slim window available and Vanshika somehow managed to fix a session in Odisha (a state I had long wanted to visit). Almost overnight all concerned confirmations and logistics were organized. And on the morning of 15th December, we landed in Bhubaneswar to complete 12 states and the 20th session, on Standing up for what’s right across the youth of the country through different states.
The session was planned for the next day on the 16th, so we made the most of the day available when we landed. First, to visit the Konark or the Sun Temple and soon after to pay our obeisance to Lord Jagannath in Puri.
Did you know Odhisa was originally called Utkal* (as also mentioned in the national anthem)?
The next day, that is the 16th of December, we received an overwhelming reception on the college campus of the Einstein Academy of Technology and Management. The session to stand up for what’s right seemed to have reached a befitting finale! An outreach I strongly believe is a blessing from my Guru who empowers me with the energy to do so. I draw a lot of the content from the case learnings of Nirbhaya including the steps we documented with Chhaya Sharma to seek justice in case of sexual violence.
It was only after the session was complete that someone pointed out that it’s 10 years today on 16th December since Nirbhaya! Imagine our surprise and the dots connecting without us being aware. While we may forget but when Devi Ma guides everything just seems to fall in place perfectly.
We’ve come a full circle. I was guided by my Guru to channel constructively the seething anger and helplessness I felt when the Nirbhaya case unfolded. And indeed it has been a befitting finale with the visit to Jagannath Puri and Konark sun temple thrown in for good measure 🙂
*UTKAL = UTKRISHT + KALA. Or the most beautiful art which reflects through not just the land’s historical monuments but is alive and throbbing in the cultural expressions from weaving, painting, sculpting, or even silver filigree work and more.
Here are some quick tips on both the places we visited.
You must hire a guide at the sun temple to understand the historical significance and architectural marvel at Konark. It is believed that the main deity was suspended in mid-air through heavy-duty magnets from all sides. The magnets were so strong that they disrupted the navigation of the invader’s ship’s route. The first thing the Portuguese did on discovering the temple was to dislodge these magnets, which resulted in the collapse of the deity and the main Garb Griha of the temple.
At Jagannath Puri, no bags or phones are allowed so ensure to keep them safe either in the vehicle or one of the shops outside. If you manage to go around the evening you can witness the change of the Dhwaja atop the temple tied to the Chakra at 6 pm. The Chakra itself when viewed from any side of the temple will always seem to be facing the onlooker. Be wary of the Pandits who promise you prasad or a piece of the Dhwaja, they are just out to make a quick buck on the devout’s faith. You can partake in Prasad of khichadi, daal, sabzi, and sweet sitting at the Anna GrIh at a nominal cost of Re 100.
If you would like to have us conduct this 90-minute session in your college or company just drop us a mail with the details of the institution and the preferred dates at suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com.
Links for further study
To read about the Kerala Chapter click here>>
To read about the Hyderabad Chapter click here>>
To read about the Karnataka Chapter click here>>
To read about the Vizag Chapter click here>>
To read about the Chennai, Chapter click here>>
To read about the Prayagraj Chapter click here>>
To read about Assam Chapter click here>>
To read about Kolkatta Chapter click here>>
To read about the Kanpur Chapter click here>>
To read about the Purnea Bihar Chapter click here>>
To read about the Pune experience click here>>
To know more about the online session experience read here >>
PS: if you stand for what is right – team SABERA (Annual Awards and Summit by the Simply Suparnaa © Media Network) you must watch the annual event recognizing the GOOD work across India.
