JioAirFiber: Nestled on the foothills of the Kapilash Mountain Range in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, the Shri Dattatreya Sai Ashram, spread over 30 acres, feels like a serene ecosystem, featuring a temple, a Goshala with indigenous Gir cows, and a sprawling orchard that organically grows over 30 popular varieties of mangoes.
Surrounded by forests, connecting with the broader market was an uphill battle for the Ashram, without any reliable communication support. Today, that scenario has completely changed. Thanks to high-speed digital transformation powered by JioAirFiber, this remote Ashram has bridged the digital divide, scaled its operations and now able to send its premium organic produce to over 10 states across India.
Founded in 2002, the Ashram’s agricultural journey began to financially sustain daily temple operations. The Trust planted thousands of fruit and flower trees. Leveraging the rich, natural soil quality of the Kapilash forest range and utilizing purely organic fertilizers, the Ashram began producing high-quality, organic mangoes, including Amrapali, Kesar, Dasheri, Langra, Chausa, Mallika, and even the prized Alphonso.
Initially, the Ashram solely relied on nearby distributors and suppliers. Scaling the business was restricted by lack of internet connectivity, as real-time coordination with buyers in distant cities was nearly impossible.
The turning point came with the introduction of JioAirFiber, which enabled reliable, high-speed wireless broadband connectivity. Its impact on the Ashram’s daily operations and financial viability was immediate and profound, says Akhil Kumar Jena, the Abahak (Convenor) of the Ashram, explaining how digital empowerment transformed their traditional harvesting season into a streamlined operation.
He further adds, “After we took JioAirFiber connection, it helped us in better connecting with our customers and transportation coordinators. We are now able to immediately inform them once mango harvesting starts. After cleaning and segregation, we share high-quality photos and videos with them so they can check the quality and confirm the orders.”
With uninterrupted high-speed internet, the entire logistics cycle has been revolutionized. Buyers in Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana can visually inspect the size and quality of Dhenkanal’s famous Amrapali mangoes or varieties like Keshar, Chausa or Alphonso via real-time video calls even before they are cleaned, packed, and loaded onto the vehicles.
With high-speed digital connectivity, digital payments now get processed and verified instantly, securing the Ashram’s cash flow and maintaining day-to-day expenses without delay. Besides, the real-time tracking ensures that perishable fruits are dispatched and routed efficiently, minimizing wastage.
The success of the initial digital integration prompted the Ashram to double down on its technology adoption. They have since installed a second JioAirFiber connection to power an expansive CCTV security network across the 30-acre property, ensuring the safety of the orchard, temple, and livestock. Furthermore, digital empowerment has extended to hospitality. The Ashram’s 30+ room guest house now offers seamless Wi-Fi connectivity to visitors and spiritual tourists, allowing them to stay connected with the world while retreating into nature.
A Blueprint for Rural Empowerment:
The story of the Shri Dattatreya Sai Ashram is more than just a success story around mangoes; it is a testament to how technology can democratize economic opportunities. By replacing geographical barriers with digital pathways, it has secured sustainable livelihoods for 50 locals, and a local spiritual trust has transformed into a self-sustaining, pan-India agricultural brand.
As reliable broadband continues to penetrate the remotest corners of Odisha, the Ashram stands as a shining beacon of how digital transformation empowers traditions.
