In a significant stride toward technological self-reliance, researchers at IIT-Madras have developed ShaktiDB, an indigenous database management system that promises to reduce India's dependence on foreign technology and secure the nation's critical data infrastructure.
The Urgent Need for Digital Sovereignty
According to Shankar Raman, CEO of IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, the development comes at a crucial time when over-reliance on foreign database systems poses significant risks to national security and economic stability. "When we depend extensively on external technologies, we essentially hand over control of our digital assets to foreign entities," Raman emphasized.
Beyond Technical Specifications: Strategic Importance
ShaktiDB represents more than just another technical innovation—it's a strategic asset for India's digital future. The database system is designed to handle critical applications across government, banking, and defense sectors while ensuring complete data sovereignty.
Key Advantages of Indigenous Development:
- Complete control over data security and privacy protocols
- Customization for India-specific requirements and scale
- Reduced vulnerability to international geopolitical tensions
- Strengthened position in global technology standards discussions
A Broader Movement Toward Self-Reliance
The development of ShaktiDB aligns with India's larger push for technological independence across multiple sectors. This initiative demonstrates how academic institutions like IIT-Madras are transitioning from pure research to developing practical, nationally significant technologies.
As Raman noted, creating indigenous solutions isn't just about replacing foreign products—it's about building capabilities that understand and serve India's unique needs while ensuring that critical digital infrastructure remains under national control.
