Custodians from Jammu & Kashmir and Gujarat were awarded patents for their unique herbal practices in a significant step to honor India’s rich heritage of traditional herbal knowledge. These recognition ceremonies were held on October 22, 2024, at the University of Kashmir and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The awarded patents underscore India’s commitment to preserving and advancing its deep-rooted knowledge systems, offering a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern healthcare solutions.
India’s wealth of herbal knowledge is sustained by skilled practitioners who have honed their expertise through generations, working closely within local ecosystems to understand the medicinal properties of native plants. These knowledge holders play an essential role in addressing health and agricultural challenges, including antimicrobial resistance and environmental sustainability. Recognizing and integrating such practices into mainstream healthcare has become increasingly important to foster natural, sustainable solutions for various health concerns.
NIF, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has been at the forefront of preserving India’s indigenous knowledge through Intellectual Property (IP) rights. The foundation has helped incubate numerous traditional practices and has legally protected these technologies, enabling further development for social and commercial applications. This year, NIF granted 26 patents to outstanding traditional knowledge holders, a move aimed at scaling these technologies for broader public benefit and industry collaboration.
Protecting these traditional practices with scientific backing not only acknowledges their contribution but also enhances the synergy between informal knowledge and formal healthcare systems. As these patents become more accessible to industry partners, they are expected to lead to indigenous, affordable solutions for public health and potentially inspire a new wave of therapeutic products based on India’s herbal heritage.
By encouraging these knowledge holders, India is paving the way for integrating scientifically validated, natural therapies into modern health systems, fostering a holistic approach to public health that honors its ancient heritage while advancing toward a sustainable future.
