Govt. widens access of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library database beyond patent offices
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The “Widening Access of The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) database to users, besides patent offices”, has been approved by the Cabinet, which is presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Government of India has taken an ambitious and forward-thinking step by making the TKDL database accessible to users. For Indian traditional knowledge, this will mark a fresh beginning as the TKDL fosters innovation and research based on India’s revered past in numerous sectors.
According to the New Education Policy 2020, the launch of the TKDL is also intended to foster thought and knowledge leadership through Bharatiya Gnana Parampara.
The enormous potential of Indian traditional knowledge (TK) to meet local, regional, and international demands can help society and the economy thrive. Take, for instance, one of our nation’s ancient medical and wellness systems, Ayurveda. Even today, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Yoga continue to meet the requirements of both Indians and people from other countries.
Indian traditional medicines, whose advantages vary from immune-boosting to symptom alleviation to antiviral action, have been widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) opened its first offshore Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India in April of this year. These show how traditional knowledge is still relevant in addressing the current and future demands of the globe. The Cabinet’s decision to allow access to the database outside of patent offices emphasises the importance of fusing traditional knowledge with modern methods in order to promote innovation and trade.
Indian traditional medicines will be more widely adopted thanks to the current contents of TKDL, which will also encourage new manufacturers and innovators to successfully establish businesses based on our priceless knowledge history.
The TKDL can serve a wide range of customers, including firms and companies in the herbal healthcare (AYUSH, pharmaceuticals, phytopharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals) industries; research institutions, both public and private; educational institutions, teachers, and students; as well as ISM practitioners, knowledge holders, patentees and their legal representatives; and the government, among other industries.
National and international users would gradually be granted access to the TKDL database through a paid subscription model.
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