HT Bureau
Guwahati, May 26: Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi released a handbook on the geographical indications (With special focus on North-East Region), published under the auspices of the DPIIT- CIPAM IPR chair of National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam in the university campus.
While speaking on the book release function, the Governor said that North-East, India comprising eight states Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura is a veritable repository of rare flora – fauna and distinctive cultural bequest. Geographical Indication registration of the natural and cultural abundance of the region, has the potential to establish the physiographic authenticity and also map regional exclusivity on a global platform. In this context, the handbook published by National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam is an opportunity that could guide regional stakeholders towards securing the sanctity of their bio-cultural heritage and also safeguarding their livelihood.
While underlining the importance of Geographical Indications, Prof. Mukhi said, “It is a laudable enterprise which offers on the mechanism of GI registration of traditional artistry, natural and manufactured products endemic to the region. The handbook is pertinent in the context of North East India, which, in spite of the rich biodiversity, is lagging behind in terms of optimizing GI tagging to its benefit.”
Further the Governor stressed on the need to spread awareness about GI tagging among the grass root stakeholders, who are the curator of traditional knowledge and predominantly engage in agrarian activities. He also said that educational institutes should expand their purview and reach out to the community with the vision to empower them with knowledge.
The Governor also urged upon the university to disseminate the knowledge documented in the handbook among the masses, particularly those who live in rural and peri-urban locales of the region where natural bounty thrives in abundance. The Governor congratulated NLUJA, Assam IPR Chair for its efforts towards protection of the natural and cultural abundance of the North-East region in respect of Geographical Indications in the form of the publication of the book.
The book release function was attended by Chief Justice (Acting) of Gauhati High Court and chancellor of National Law University and Judicial Academy Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, vice- chancellor of the University Prof. V. K. Ahuja, deputy commissioner Kamrup, Kailash Karthik N, faculty members, administrative staff, students of the university along with other dignitaries.
