“India's five-century journey demonstrates that technological capability, maritime strength and innovation have always been the foundations of economic prosperity and strategic sovereignty. As India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the country must strengthen indigenous innovation, scientific research, technological self-reliance and maritime capabilities to secure its position in the evolving global order”, said Dr. Chaitanya Giri, Space and Emerging Technology Fellow, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and Senator, University of Mumbai, while introducing his book The Long Siege: 500 Years of India's Struggle for Technopolitical Freedom at the panel book discussion on "Mumbai Chronicles: 500 Years of Technopolitical Progress towards a Global Innovation and Maritime Hub," organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries in association with the Observer Research Foundation.
Dr. Chaitanya Giri, Space and Emerging Technology Fellow, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and Senator, University of Mumbai, said, "Mumbai's future cannot be defined solely by its position as India's financial and commercial capital. The city's next phase of growth must be driven by innovation, technology and maritime leadership. By leveraging its strategic geography, entrepreneurial ecosystem and global connectivity, Mumbai can emerge as one of the world's foremost centres of technopolitical innovation."
"The Long Siege: 500 Years of India's Struggle for Technopolitical Freedom underscores that cities which understand their history are better equipped to shape their future. An informed and aware citizenry is the foundation of national progress. By exploring Mumbai's scientific, technological and maritime evolution over the past five centuries, the book provides valuable insights that can help address contemporary urban and developmental challenges." said, Dr. Giri.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, “Mumbai’s evolution from a maritime trading settlement into India’s financial and commercial capital reflects the country’s remarkable journey of resilience, enterprise and continuous reinvention. Every phase of the city’s development has been shaped by the convergence of technology, governance, public policy, strong institutions and entrepreneurship.”
“India was historically recognised as the ‘Golden Bird’ for its prosperity, advanced knowledge systems, flourishing industries and extensive global trade networks. Around 1700, India accounted for over one-fifth of global GDP and was a leading exporter of textiles, handicrafts, metal products and ships. The next chapter of Mumbai’s journey must support India’s rise as a global leader in science, technology and innovation, with the city serving as a gateway for knowledge, trade, maritime connectivity and technological leadership.” added Dr. Kalantri.
Dr. Sameer Patil, Director, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation, who moderated the panel book discussion, said, “Mumbai’s financial prosperity was shaped by its connections with global trade corridors. Having lost economic control during the colonial period, the city must now reclaim its legacy and anchor India’s next phase of innovation.”
Mr. Abhijit Mulye, Veteran Science, Environment and Political Journalist, said "Mumbai's early Marathi newspapers played a pioneering role in science communication by publishing articles on agriculture, medicine, Ayurveda and scientific thought. Publications such as Shrishti Dnyan carried this tradition forward, while the period between 1870 and 1930 witnessed a remarkable resurgence in Indian science, culminating in Sir C. V. Raman's Nobel Prize."
Prof. Madhavi Narsalay, Professor of Sanskrit and In-Charge Director, Centre for Hindu Studies, University of Mumbai, “Mumbai emerged as an important centre of knowledge creation through institutions such as the Nirnaya Sagar Press and Venkateshwar Steam Press, which advanced Devanagari printing and regional literature. The Long Siege lays thrust on the close relationship between technology, politics and civilisation, while emphasising the need to preserve India’s indigenous knowledge systems.”
Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade and Investment Promotion, World Trade Center Mumbai, said, “Mumbai’s story is one of continuous transformation, from a maritime trading settlement to India’s financial, commercial and entrepreneurial capital. As global trade routes, technology, innovation and geopolitics are being redefined, Mumbai is uniquely positioned to emerge not only as a global financial centre but also as a leading hub for innovation, technology and maritime enterprise. The convergence of technology, governance, trade and strategic vision has shaped the city’s remarkable journey over the past five centuries and will be equally important in enabling Mumbai to contribute to India’s aspiration of becoming a global economic and technological leader.”
The programme concluded with an engaging interactive discussion on India's technopolitical evolution, Mumbai's strategic importance in emerging global trade corridors, and the role of technology, innovation, research and maritime connectivity in advancing India's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
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