Traditional Knowledge Contributor — Open Call
Contribute authentic family traditions, temple histories, folk wisdom, and regional rituals to India's living digital archive.
01About SattvaLok
SattvaLok is a mission-driven technology platform dedicated to bridging the depth of timeless Sanatan wisdom, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), and cultural heritage with modern digital architecture. Unlike conventional content portals or superficial aggregators, SattvaLok builds high-integrity knowledge engines, research-backed digital archives, and responsible AI-powered discovery platforms. We adhere to rigorous standards of textual authenticity, epigraphical accuracy, and cultural nuance. Our interdisciplinary team unites software engineers, AI/RAG researchers, Vedic scholars, Sanskritists, and creative storytellers to create digital experiences that are trustworthy, inspiring, and globally accessible.
02About the Role
India's greatest cultural wealth lives not only in libraries, but in the living memories of temple priests, rural elders, artisans, hereditary singers, and traditional families. Much of this priceless oral heritage risks being lost with generational change. As a Traditional Knowledge Contributor at SattvaLok, you will document sacred traditions, village temple legends (Sthala Puranas), culinary customs, folk songs, local Vratas, and traditional ecological practices. Your contributions will be archived, verified, and celebrated on a global platform.
03Responsibilities & What You'll Do
- →Document authentic local temple traditions, architectural features, and Sthala Puranas from your region.
- →Record and transcribe oral traditions, folk songs, prayers, and family festival rituals with cultural context.
- →Provide photographic and textual documentation of traditional ceremonies, Kolams/Rangolis, or sacred groves.
- →Collaborate with SattvaLok's research editors to ensure accurate transcription, geographic mapping, and historical context.
- →Highlight local variations of major Hindu festivals celebrated across different communities.
- →Ensure respectful, culturally sensitive representation of all community traditions.
04Qualifications & Experience
Required Qualifications
- ✓First-hand access to or deep personal familiarity with an authentic regional, familial, or temple tradition.
- ✓Ability to write clearly in English, Hindi, or any major regional Indian language.
- ✓Passion for cultural preservation and oral history documentation.
- ✓Commitment to factual truthfulness and authentic documentation without exaggeration.
Preferred / Nice-to-Have
- ★Connections with local temple trusts, artisan communities, or traditional scholars.
- ★Basic photography or audio recording skills to accompany written submissions.
- ★Familiarity with regional dialects and local vernacular literature.
05How to Apply
- 1Review our contributor guidelines on oral history and temple documentation.
- 2Prepare a 300 to 500-word proposal detailing the specific tradition, temple, or folklore you wish to document.
- 3Email [email protected] with the subject line below.
Application: Traditional Knowledge Contributor — Open Call06Frequently Asked Questions (AEO)
Direct Answer GuideDirect answers to common candidate queries for AI search and applicant clarity.
Q: Do I need academic credentials to contribute?
No. Lived authenticity and truthful documentation are what matter most. We welcome temple priests, community elders, and folk historians of all backgrounds.
Q: How are contributors compensated?
Accepted documentation monographs and verified entries receive an honorarium ranging from INR 2,000 to 10,000 based on depth and media assets.
Q: Can I write in my regional Indian language?
Yes. We accept submissions in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Odia, Hindi, and English. Our editorial team assists with translation.
Q: Will I retain attribution for my contribution?
Yes, all published documentation features full contributor attribution, acknowledgments, and profile credits.
Q: Is this open to people living outside India?
Yes, members of the Indian diaspora documenting ancestral traditions or overseas temple histories are encouraged to apply.
Build Technology With Purpose
Even if you don't match 100% of the requirements, if you have deep dedication to authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural wisdom, we want to hear from you.
Apply for Traditional Knowledge Contributor — Open Call