Odisha Research Centre and TISS join hands to boost social research and youth development

The Odisha Research Centre has entered into a partnership with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, to advance social research and youth development initiatives in the state.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on September 28 in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

Calling the collaboration a milestone for the state’s future, Pradhan said, “History is like a mirror. No nation can dream about its future without remembering its history.”

He highlighted the need to link historical awareness with future aspirations through research.

Citing discoveries such as the Bhima Mandali cave, ancient rock art near Naktideul, and archaeological evidence in Tirtol, he pointed to Odisha’s cultural depth.

He also referred to architectural landmarks like the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, and the Lingaraj Temple as proof of the scientific and social strengths of ancient Odia society.

Pradhan further remarked that each district in Odisha has preserved its unique legacy of education, art, culture, history, and literature.

“The need of the hour is to create a new age economy in line with the vision of PM Modi,” he said.

The event was attended by IIT-Kharagpur director Suman Chakraborty, IIT-Bhubaneswar director Shreepad Karmalkar, TISS vice chancellor Badri Narayan Tiwari, and ORC director Chandi Prasad Nanda.