Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards advancing social research and youth development in Odisha, the Odisha Research Centre (ORC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, on Sunday.
The event, held in Bhubaneswar, was attended by Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan, who lauded the initiative as a milestone in shaping the state’s future.
“This is not just an agreement between two institutions, but a visionary initiative to chart a new path for Odisha’s young generation through research,” Pradhan said at the ceremony.
He emphasised the importance of connecting the past with the future through historical awareness and evidence-based research. Citing examples such as the Bhima Mandali cave, ancient rock art near Naktideul and archaeological findings in the Tirtol region, Pradhan underscored Odisha’s rich cultural legacy.
The architectural marvels of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Konark Sun Temple, and Lingaraj Temple, he noted, reflect the scientific and social acumen of ancient Odia civilisation.
Highlighting Odisha’s literary heritage, Pradhan mentioned Lakshmi Purana by Balaram Das as an early symbol of women’s empowerment. He said that embedded within Odisha’s cultural and literary fabric are key scientific, social, and economic insights that must be brought to light through structured research.
The Education Minister pointed to the upcoming centenary of Odisha’s formation in 2036 and India’s 100 years of independence in 2047 as crucial milestones. He called for prioritising data-driven research to present Odisha’s diverse legacy to the younger generation.
“Odisha is a land of immense potential. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Purvodaya’ vision, there is a clear need to build a new-age economy grounded in our unique heritage and district-level identities,” Pradhan said. He cited historical figures like Baimundi, Dharmapada, and Baji Rout as symbols of Odia courage and sacrifice.
“Now is the time to dream big. Through research, we must unlock Odisha’s full potential,” he added, calling the MoU a timely and forward-looking step.
The MoU ceremony was graced by several prominent figures including Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj; IIT Kharagpur Director Prof. Suman Chakraborty; IIT Bhubaneswar Director Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar; ICSSR Member Secretary Prof. Dhananjay Singh; TISS Vice Chancellor Prof. Badri Narayan Tiwari; ORC Director Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda; CSIR-IMMT Director Dr. Ramanuj Narayan; Prof. Kishor K. Basa; and other key members of the ORC governing body.
