Exploring Indian knowledge systems with Ranjan Panda
We virtually met Mr. Ranjan Panda popularly known as the “Water man of Odisha” on 15th September, 2025
Mr. Ranjan's Journey
Mr. Ranjan's journey began with a motivation to understand the degradation of water resources in rural India. He traveled extensively through hundreds of villages in western Odisha, central Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, studying the traditional water systems. He realized that these systems had been neglected in favor of modern engineering structures like concrete dams. Mr. Ranjan worked to revive these traditional structures by organizing and educating local communities. His dedicated work led to him being profiled by NDTV as the "Waterman of Odisha," and he later received the Green Hero award from the President of India in 2010. He highlighted several challenges in his work during our interview:
Lack of self-confidence among villagers
Many villagers were hesitant to talk and had lost faith in their own knowledge and ability to solve problems, expecting the government to provide everything.
Over-reliance on modern technology
A major hurdle is the belief among educated people that technology and engineering can solve all problems, leading to a disrespect for traditional knowledge and wisdom.
Policy and financial issues
Government schemes and policies may not align with the actual needs of the people, and securing funding for community-led projects can be a challenge.
The Power of Traditional Knowledge
A central theme of the interview was the importance of respecting and utilizing the traditional knowledge of local communities. Mr. Ranjan emphasized that villagers, often dismissed as uneducated, possess a deep and intricate understanding of their local ecosystems, which is more powerful than bookish knowledge. He shared an anecdote about a villager who was a "walking encyclopedia" of the local forest, possessing knowledge of medicinal plants and other natural resources that no expert could match.
Water Contamination: A Huge Issue
Mr. Ranjan also discussed the serious problem of water contamination in India, including contamination from heavy metals like lead, chromium, and arsenic. He pointed out several key issues:
- Lack of data and awareness:** There is a significant lack of data on water quality, and governments are often reluctant to release such information to avoid public outcry.
- The need for affordable solutions:** While there is a huge potential for low-cost filters to address heavy metal contamination, these solutions need to be affordable and effectively marketed to reach the end-user.
Advice for the Younger Generation
In his closing remarks, Mr. Ranjan urged the younger generation to be inclusive, to work together, and to expand their understanding beyond their technical education. He emphasized that true environmentalism is not just about planting saplings but about understanding the interconnectedness of all resources and starting from one's own home to make a positive impact on the environment