Participants emphasized the need for a unified vision to bolster research, policy frameworks, and educational initiatives that promote India’s rich traditional knowledge on the global stage.
In a move to safeguard and commercialise traditional knowledge within the Ayush systems, a Round Table Conference titled “Intellectual Property, Regulatory Framework, and Commercialization Aspects in Traditional Knowledge of Ayush Systems” was held in New Delhi on Tuesday. The event, organized by the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) in collaboration with the School of Biotechnology at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur, gathered experts from academia, government, and industry to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in this vital sector.
The conference featured Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, as the Chief Guest. His presence underscored the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with modern technologies to protect intellectual property and foster innovation. Other notable attendees included Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor of Shri Krishna Ayush University; Prof. Anupam Srivastava from NIA; and Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi from JNU’s School of Biotechnology.
In his opening address, Vaidya Kotecha highlighted the critical role of research and education in Ayurveda, emphasizing that these pillars are essential for driving the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) agenda within traditional medicine. He noted, “The evolving digital ecosystem and the generation of scientific evidence are crucial for advancing the Indian system of medicine. Our aim is to integrate traditional wisdom with modern technologies, thereby protecting intellectual property and fostering innovation.”
Vaidya Kotecha elaborated on India’s strategic partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop global standards for traditional medicine. He attributed these collaborations to the remarkable growth of the Ayush manufacturing sector over the past decade, stressing that a close cooperation between academia and industry is vital to enhance the global competitiveness of Ayush products while safeguarding traditional knowledge through robust IPR frameworks.
Protecting Traditional Knowledge
Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman echoed these sentiments, calling for greater collaboration among Ayush agencies. He underscored the necessity of a molecular understanding of traditional medicine and advocated for the inclusion of IPR as a core subject in postgraduate curricula. “Preparing our future scholars to meet these challenges is essential for the progression of Ayush systems,” he asserted.
A notable session led by Prof. Anupam Srivastava traced the evolution of Ayush systems, emphasizing the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)’s role in preventing biopiracy. He proposed a six-month course on IPR tailored specifically for Ayush professionals, addressing the need for enhanced intellectual property awareness in the sector.
Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi addressed the importance of protecting traditional knowledge both nationally and globally. He highlighted the necessity of bridging research gaps to facilitate the commercialization of Ayush products, stating, “The proprietary issues surrounding Ayush systems can only be resolved through dedicated research and innovation. We must safeguard our traditional knowledge while ensuring its global integration.”
The conference featured several panel discussions, bringing together leaders from Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. These sessions focused on creating and protecting intellectual property for Ayush innovations, establishing necessary regulatory frameworks, and developing strategies for commercialization and benefit sharing.
Concluding the conference, participants emphasized the need for a unified vision to bolster research, policy frameworks, and educational initiatives that promote India’s rich traditional knowledge on the global stage. The dialogues initiated during the conference are expected to catalyze advancements in research, commercialization, and intellectual property protection within the Ayush sector.
As India continues to establish itself as a leader in traditional medicine, this conference marks a pivotal moment in addressing regulatory and intellectual property challenges, reinforcing India’s commitment to the advancement of its traditional systems of medicine.
