Reviving Odisha’s ancient knowledge through technology is key to India’s future

DR. RABINDRA NARAYAN BEHERA
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, GOVT. OF INDIA

“Odisha stands as one of India’s most profound civilisational and knowledge centres, and the revival of its ancient wisdom through modern technology is vital to shaping the nation’s future. Initiatives such as the Jewels of Odisha coffee table book play an important role in identifying, recognising, and celebrating individuals who reflect the state’s intellectual, cultural, and global contributions. Odisha has historically been a land of learning, spirituality, and international engagement, particularly through its central role in the spread of Buddhism and its strong maritime traditions. Long before the advent of computers, satellites, or digital tools, our ancestors demonstrated advanced scientific understanding, navigational expertise, and philosophical depth, enabling cultural exchange across Asia and establishing Odisha’s global relevance.

Over the years, however, colonial-era education systems weakened India’s indigenous knowledge frameworks by eroding traditional learning, cultural confidence, and intellectual self-reliance. Despite being among the most literate societies historically, India witnessed a significant decline in knowledge continuity during this period. Yet, vast repositories of wisdom still exist in palm-leaf manuscripts, temple architecture, Buddhist texts, language systems, and ancient scientific practices. While efforts are underway to digitise these resources, digitisation alone is not sufficient. What is urgently required is deeper research, contextual interpretation, and meaningful global dissemination, especially at a time when artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies are reshaping how knowledge is preserved, accessed, and applied.

As India progresses towards long-term national and state development milestones such as Vikshit Bharat by 2047 and Vikshit Odisha by 2036, the responsibility of this transformation rests largely with the digitally native younger generation. Odisha’s future opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum computing, inland waterways, maritime trade, and the blue economy are natural extensions of its historical strengths. The state’s evolution from early digital governance challenges to becoming a potential hub for advanced technologies reflects its readiness for the next phase of growth. By integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary innovation, Odisha can re-emerge as a leading knowledge and technology hub for eastern India and beyond, restoring pride, purpose, and global recognition to its enduring civilisational legacy. This collective effort demands collaboration among government, academia, industry, and society to ensure heritage-driven innovation delivers inclusive growth, strategic autonomy, and sustained global leadership for future generations’ worldwide impact.”