Meditation helps maintain calm and clarity in life, says OTV MD Jagi Mangat Panda on World Meditation Day

World Meditation Day is being observed across the globe, including in Odisha, on Saturday, highlighting the growing international recognition of meditation as an effective tool for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Deeply rooted in India’s ancient cultural and spiritual traditions, meditation is widely regarded as one of the country’s most valuable contributions to humanity.

More than just a wellness practice, meditation is considered a proven path to better health, inner awareness and balanced living. Experts say that by awakening inner consciousness, it enables individuals to bring positive changes in their lifestyle and thought patterns. Its relevance has increased significantly in recent years as people worldwide look for ways to cope with stress, anxiety and the pressures of fast-paced modern life.

Acknowledging its universal value, the United Nations General Assembly had declared December 21 as World Meditation Day. The decision aimed at promoting awareness about the benefits of meditation and encouraging its adoption across cultures, communities and nations.

India has been at the forefront of efforts to spread the message of meditation globally, emphasising its role in holistic development. Meditation is described as a comprehensive practice that nurtures the body, calms the mind and elevates the spirit. Practitioners believe it leads to self-realisation and a deeper understanding of life.

With its wide-ranging benefits, there is a growing call for meditation to reach every household and every individual. Observers and spiritual leaders have stressed the need to integrate meditation into daily life, viewing it as a pathway to healthier societies and a more harmonious world.

Jagi Mangat Panda, Managing Director of Odisha Television Network Ltd, shared her personal experience with meditation, recalling that several years ago she attended a 10-day Vipassana meditation programme where the use of mobile phones, iPads, and television was strictly prohibited. Participants were required to meditate for nearly 12 hours a day. She said the experience proved deeply transformative and has had a lasting impact on her life.

“Since then, meditation has become a regular part of my routine. Whether I am at home or at the office, I make it a point to meditate for about 30 minutes every day,” she said.

Read More: UN marks second ‘World Meditation Day’, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar leads global call for peace and wellbeing

Emphasising the universal relevance of meditation, Panda noted that Vipassana rests on three core pillars—Sila (moral conduct), Samadhi (concentration), and Panna (wisdom). “These principles teach us that nothing in life is permanent; everything that comes will eventually pass. This understanding helps us face life’s ups and downs with balance and equanimity,” she added.

Expressing hope that more people would adopt the practice, she encouraged everyone to meditate for at least 15 minutes daily to experience its positive effects on the mind, body, and spirit.

Sudhansu Adhikari, Yoga Guru, said, “Just as you bathe to cleanse your body, meditation is essential to purify the mind. Practising meditation daily helps cultivate inner clarity, balance, and purity.”

Also Read: Orissa High Court Raps CMC Over Corruption In Road Construction Works

Korei MLA Akash Dasnayak said, “Practising meditation brings inner peace, which can also contribute to world peace. Beyond observing World Meditation Day, everyone needs to practise meditation and pranayama daily to maintain both mental and physical well-being.”

Echoing the same, Yoga Guru Manmohan Behera said, “People aged five and above should practice yoga daily throughout their lives.”