Navratra symbolizes discipline, fortitude, and the cultivation of positive energy: Dr. Anjana Tiwari

Ranchi: Dr. Anjana Tiwari, a senior faculty in the Department of Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit, Faculty of Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, Vadodara, articulated on Thursday that Navratra transcends its conventional perception as merely a religious or spiritual celebration. Instead, it embodies profound significance from both social and scientific standpoints.

She expounded upon the notion that Navratra symbolizes discipline, fortitude, and the cultivation of positive energy, thereby steering society towards the pursuit of ethical conduct and moral integrity. From a scientific lens, she underscored that this sacred festival plays a pivotal role in sustaining an individual’s physical and psychological equilibrium.

Dr. Tiwari addressed her esteemed audience as the keynote speaker at a one-day national e-seminar, meticulously organized under the collaborative auspices of the Global Sanskrit Forum, Jharkhand Chapter, and Aviram College of Education, Tiko, Kuru, Lohardaga, conducted via the Zoom platform. The focal theme of this scholarly seminar was ‘The Social and Scientific Significance of Navratra.’

In her erudite discourse, Dr. Tiwari meticulously delineated the cultural and scientific dimensions of fasting during Navratra. She emphasized that the importance of this observance amplifies during the transitional period between seasons, as fasting, coupled with the intake of sattvic food, significantly fortifies the immune system while simultaneously instilling psychological tranquility.

Furthermore, she highlighted that Navratra is not merely a religious ritual but also a celebration of female empowerment, illuminating the invaluable role of women within the societal fabric. Through the veneration of Goddess Durga, revered for her embodiment of nine divine forms of strength, the festival reinforces the ideals of womanhood and the exaltation of feminine power.

Dr. Tiwari presented Navratra as a powerful symbol of purity, restraint, and righteousness. She elucidated that the observance of fasting during this period is not confined to personal spiritual enhancement but fosters broader social cohesion, goodwill, and the reinforcement of ethical values. This sacred period serves as a catalyst for preserving and nurturing society’s cultural and moral heritage.
From a scientific perspective, Dr. Tiwari expounded on the physiological and psychological transformations that occur within the human body during seasonal transitions.

Fasting during Navratra, she asserted, holds unique importance as it bolsters the body’s natural defenses. The adoption of a sattvic diet cleanses the body, leading to the attainment of mental serenity, which leaves individuals revitalized, both physically and mentally.

Additionally, Dr. Tiwari offered an analytical perspective on the religious rituals performed throughout Navratra, emphasizing their scientific relevance. She noted that practices such as mantra chanting, worship, meditation, and prayer enhance mental well-being and facilitate the flow of positive energy. These activities, she argued, serve to balance the mind and provide a foundation for personal growth and holistic development.

The esteemed gathering was graced by the presence of several eminent personalities, including Dr. Rajesh Kumar Mishra, National Secretary of the Global Sanskrit Forum; Dr. Shri Prakash Singh, President of the Global Sanskrit Forum, Jharkhand Chapter; Shri Indrajit Kumar, Secretary of Aviram College of Education; Dr. Rana Pratap Singh, General Secretary of the Global Sanskrit Forum, Jharkhand Chapter; along with Vice Presidents Dr. Shailesh Kumar Mishra and Dr. Dhananjay Vasudeo Dwivedi.

The event concluded under the adept stewardship of Dr. Pratima Tripathi, Principal of Aviram College of Education, whose skillful moderation ensured the seminar’s resounding success.