Nālandā University and CSIR-TKDL Forge Alliance for Traditional Knowledge
Nālandā University (NU) and the CSIR–Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (CSIR-TKDL) Unit have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in the realms of Traditional Knowledge (TK), Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and Cultural Heritage. This significant agreement was executed by Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nālandā University, and Dr. Viswajanani J Sattigeri, Head of the CSIR-TKDL Unit, amidst faculty members and senior officials from both institutions.
Strengthening Cultural Heritage and Awareness
The collaboration aims to synergize the strengths of both organizations to address shared interests in matters related to TK, IPR, and the cultural heritage of Bihar, including Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs). The partnership will focus on a variety of initiatives including academic research, training, student internships, and networking opportunities.
Commitment to Documentation and Awareness
During the signing ceremony, Prof. Chaturvedi emphasized the critical role played by the CSIR-TKDL in safeguarding India’s TK from misappropriation. He expressed that this collaboration will bolster efforts to identify, document, and disseminate TK and TCEs while raising awareness about IPRs. He also highlighted the importance of systematically preserving TK across numerous domains, including ecological knowledge and folklore.
A Historic Educational Alliance
Dr. Sattigeri remarked on India’s global leadership in the field of TK, highlighting the historic significance of Nālandā University as a center for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. She asserted that this partnership with the CSIR-TKDL Unit is expected to revitalize Nālandā’s rich legacy as an educational and research hub with a primary focus on the cultural heritage of India and Bihar.
Objectives Aligned with National Policies
Both parties are optimistic that their cooperation will significantly contribute to achieving the objectives set out by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National IPR Policy 2016 related to TK, IPR, and cultural heritage preservation.
About Nālandā University
Nālandā University operates as an International University of “National Importance,” under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, located at Rajgir, District-Nalanda, Bihar. It is dedicated to fostering intellectual pursuits and cross-cultural understanding, drawing from its rich historical and spiritual foundations.
About TKDL
Established in 2001 through a partnership between the Government of India and the CSIR, the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) serves as a pioneering database to prevent the misappropriation of India’s traditional knowledge. Containing over 5.2 lakh formulations and practices from various Indian systems of medicine, the TKDL is instrumental in thwarting erroneous patent grants globally, successfully influencing over 375 patent applications through its comprehensive digital records.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
