Nagaland sees an alarming rise in cultural appropriation cases

April 25, 2023 18 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 25

Nagaland has been seeing an alarming rise in cases of cultural appropriation and infringement of cultural properties by others.

This was observed by Dr Nesatalu Hiese, Scientist ‘D’ & Programme Coordinator during the state level workshop on ‘Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for Accelerating Creativity and Innovation,’ organised by Nagaland Science & Technology Council (NASTEC), Department of Science & Technology held today at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.

She cited ongoing cases with regard to cultural appropriation in the court, and stressed on the urgent need to protect Naga cultural heritage.

Stating that Nagas live on the simple principle of trust, Hokhuli K Chishi, Secretary and Chairman, NASTEC emphasised that things have changed as society is evolving and that Naga people must adapt to the situation.

Although Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is fairly a new subject, she said there is a need to create awareness among the populace to protect the rich culture and properties of the Naga people.

Since its establishment ten years ago, Chishi informed that through the NASTEC’S awareness programmes, it has reached out to about 20,000 people including researchers, students and entrepreneurs. It has also set up four IPR facilities in various institutions.

“It is time not only to know our potential but also learn how to protect our rights so that it will benefit the society,” she stated. Chishi added there is a lot of risk that some business houses will misuse Naga culture and take over ‘your’ property.

The young students were urged to acquire knowledge to help themselves by taking this workshop to their advantage.

Dr Yashawant Dev Panwar, Head, IPR Dvision, TIFAC, New Delhi was one of the resource persons.In his keynote address, Panwar said though everything cannot be patented; there are different types of intellectual properties which can be protected. He spoke on the potential of IP in the North East and copyright management in academic institutes.
Prof SK Jain, former VC, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and former head DMS, IIT Delhi and Dr Indira Baneerjee, Attorney, PS Davar & Co. Kolkata spoke on overview of IPR and its economic significance; the patenting system in India; and novelty assessment.

IPR, as stated in the handout, protect the interests of creators by giving them property rights over their creations.The various forms of IPR are patents, copyrights, trademarks, Industrial design, Geographical Indications (GI), layout design of Integrated circuits, plant variety protection & farmers right and trade secrets.

Today’s workshop was organised in collaboration with the Technology Information and Assessment Council (TIFAC), an autonomous body of the Government of India, Department of Science & Technology, GoI.