The workshop at the seminar hall of CSIR-NIScPR S.V. Marg campus in New Delhi on the theme, ‘IP and SDGs: Innovating for a Shared Future’, was attended by over 250 school students. The workshop revolved around the importance of protecting intellectual property (IP) for national development and how school students can take it up as a career option.
In her address, CSIR-NIScPR Director Ranjana Aggarwal said, “Historically, India was often referred to as the ‘Golden Bird’, a testament to its advanced state and significant global economic contribution, which once stood at 30%. As we mark 75 years of Independence, our GDP contribution has adjusted to 9%. Looking ahead to 2047, our ambition is to elevate this figure to 20%. This goal underscores the importance of fostering domestic technological innovation and nurturing indigenous knowledge systems.”
The CSIR-NIScPR has been instrumental in safeguarding the country’s intellectual heritage. It is a testament to the successful challenge brought against the patenting of turmeric and basmati rice in the United States. This victory reclaimed crucial patents for India.
The Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, published by CSIR’s National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), is a significant step in this direction, serving as a beacon for intellectual property awareness and education.”