Rajesh Kewat Explains ODR Through the Context of Mahabharata on Raj Shamani Podcast
- Zubairul
- May 20
- 2 min read
Long before courts, contracts, and virtual hearings became part of modern society, Indian epics had already highlighted the importance of dialogue, mediation and reconciliation. In the Udyog Parva of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna took up a final peace mission between the Pandavas and Kauravas, where he put forth attempts of negotiation, mediation and reconciliation before the Kurukshetra war became unavoidable.
As the modern world shifts towards faster and more accessible dispute resolution methods, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is emerging as a modern-day approach inspired by the age-old philosophy of dialogue and mediation reflected in the Udyog Parva of the Mahabharata. Drawing a modern parallel from this timeless verse, Online Legal India Founder & CEO, Mr. Rajesh Kewat, during a conversation on the Raj Shamani Podcast featuring Sourav Ganguly, discussed how Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) reflects a similar philosophy, encouraging communication and settlement efforts before disputes escalate further.
Mr. Rajesh Kewat has put forth that at present we see disputes in business, services, payments, or consumer issues but the base concept is the same, which is to create a space for mediation, discussion and peaceful resolution before going into long legal battles.
How ODR Connects with Mediation?
During the course of the discussion Rajesh Kewat brought out that ODR puts in place a structured setting for mediation and arbitration which does not require parties to physically go to the courts or the offices repeatedly. Online Dispute Resolution provides a structured digital framework for processes such as:
Mediation
Arbitration
ODR enables parties to participate remotely without the repeated need for physical appearances at offices in suitable matters. Instead of focusing solely on adversarial proceedings, ODR aims to facilitate constructive communication and practical resolution between parties.
During the course of the conversation, summarizing the broader idea behind ODR, Mr. Rajesh Kewat stated:
“Save your money, time, energy and relations”
This statement illustrates that due to the rapid evolution of today's world, systems designed to resolve disputes effectively through good relationships are becoming increasingly important.
Why ODR Is Becoming Increasingly Relevant?
With India's shift to digitally accessible alternative solutions to traditional process, ODR has surfaced as a convenient and more efficient way to settle disputes which can be resolved through the use of technology. Some of ODR's advantages include:
Reduced travel and operating expenses.
Remote participation from home or office without any physical meetups
Convenient communication and document management/transfer.
The amount of time that it takes to get things done will be minimized.
The effective quality of personal, professional, or business relationships can be preserved whenever possible.
The conversation on the Raj Shamani podcast featuring Sourav Ganguly highlighted how India’s age-old principles of dialogue, mediation, and peaceful resolution continue to remain relevant even in today’s technology-driven legal landscape through solutions like Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).
This statement illustrates that due to the rapid evolution of today's world, systems designed to resolve disputes effectively through good relationships are becoming increasingly important.
Comments