Alternate Vision

"India feels that it stands to lose its traditional rights over yoga and related ancient fields of study about medicine and health and possible revenue streams, if it does not act fast. Thus, India's Science and Technology (S&T) ministry is pushing for a more thorough patenting of the country's traditional knowledge base to prevent future misuse and bio-piracy. Yoga is one area that is being examined with considerable zeal. " Asia Times

India moves to protect its traditional knowledge. I'm thinking its about freaking time. Many would argue that this is sacrligious and putting a monetary value on spiritualism is outright wrong. But, in this age of globalization with bio-piracy as rampant as it is, this is much overdue. The thought of documenting and patenting yogic asanas cracks me up, but yet I see how its essential . I have mixed feelings about the 1995 WTO agreement that requires many non-western countries to switch over to "product patents" (mandatory to be a member), but after studying about the legal system in the west, it is obvious to me that countries wanting to adopt a market economy will compete at a disadvantage without this. Implentation for the newer countries such as India will cost a fortune, while mutinational companies simply continue to augment their profits. I wonder what Dr. Nichols has to say about this.

# posted by Surya Swamy : 5:59 AM