Khagenbabu

 

 

Do you remember him?

Khagenbabu?

Stiff robot, moving arms

Answering simple questions at the Museum?

 

In today’s world, you may dismiss him

As primitive –

But so were we, three decades ago

Wanting science to become conscious

 

Here we are, years later

In changed times,

Khagenbabu is perhaps packed away

Like a toy for grown up men

 

But perhaps, he still exists

What if an Intelligence awakens

And discovers the robot anew,

A ‘Manu’ of its kind –

 

Khagenbabu wakes up again

A sentience from ancient times,

He who knew the will of time –

The predecessor of the synthetic race

 

Somewhere, the intelligence awakens

It sees the truth, is enlightened,

And finally scribbles,

‘Once upon a time, we had a God…’

 

16^th March, 2026

 

Khagenbabu was a memorable animatronic “everyman” figure at the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, designed to make science feel approachable through personality and conversation. Part guide, part curiosity-driven character, he spoke to visitors in simple, engaging language—asking questions, explaining ideas, and turning abstract concepts into something relatable, especially for younger audiences. Though mechanically simple by today’s standards, he captured an early vision of interactive learning by giving technology a human face, leaving a lasting impression on those who encountered him, especially kids – like me – who would see the simple robot come out of a Satyajit Ray story, and imagine the future Khagenbabu would lead to