Amrita Darshanam, International Centre for Spiritual Studies (ICSS), Amritapuri campus, organized a webinar by Sri. Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and Translator of the critical edition of Mahābhārata. This webinar titled “The Notion of Dharma in the Mahābhārata” was conducted on August 25, 2021, as a part of the Mahābhārata Webinar Series. The guest of honor was welcomed by Br. Sivanandan D. S. (Assistant Professor, Amrita Darshanam and Director, Online Certificate Course “Mahabharata Upanayanam”).

The webinar enlightened the audience on the necessity to read and understand the Mahābhārata in its entirety. It also emphasized that since the Mahābhārata is a part of itihāsa-s, the itihāsa-s must be read in order to enjoy the essence of the Mahābhārata. The talk further highlighted the term “Dharma” and the significance of pledging on the stand of Dharma. Sri. Bibekji also focused on the importance of understanding a context thoroughly before criticizing any situation or character in the Mahābhārata. The webinar ended with a question-and-answer session on understanding the character of Draupadi and the relevance of Draupadi marrying the Pandavas.