Traditional knowledge (TK) has traversed time and domains and is still relevant today. Several countries, including India, are consciously making efforts to promote TK for national and global welfare. The TK presents itself in multiple forms, and the codified and the non-codified forms are important categories. The codified TK is often considered as public domain knowledge, and there is rampant and free use, and also misuse. The non-codified TK is primarily information that has been passed on from one generation to another orally. This knowledge is called as oral TK, folk knowledge, local traditions, and so on. Local and indigenous communities are generally the custodians of such knowledge. This TK is linked to their livelihoods, and the communitie hold their rights.
In this era of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and global competitiveness, TK has witnessed high challenges. On one hand, TK is eroding due to misbelief as well as loss in faith to sustain livelihoods. While, on the other hand, TK has been a subject matter of misappropriation due to vested interests as well as lack of awareness on the ethical and legal aspects of such knowledge.
India is bestowed with invaluable heritage of systems of medicine: the classical AYUSH, and folk medicine or local health traditions. These ancient systems of medicine are versatile in providing holistic healthcare and wellness. These medicinal systems are viable and effective options, in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals on affordable and accessible Healthcare (SDG#3). This TK has been subject matter of biopriracy and misappropriation.
The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) was established by India to protect Indian TK from misappropriation. India is also placing high emphasis on handling oral TK with great sensitivity towards protecting People’s Rights. India's efforts on preserving, protecting and promoting TK will be discussed.
