India 'secures' over 1,500 yogic asanas

In a move that will help thwart attempts by foreign MNCs and individuals to get patents and trademark on ancient yoga techniques, the Government has shortlisted over 1,500 asanas and videographed over 250, classifying them as “traditional knowledge” of the country.The initiative will be a part of the Traditional Knowledge Digital library (TKDl), a unit of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of the Ministry of Science and Technology, which challenges claims made at several patent offices across the globe by individuals and MNCs.

“Our experts have identified over 1500 yoga techniques from the literature available from our ancient texts and what is available now. Nearly 250 asanas have been video graphed already. It should take five or six months to complete the process, after which it can be the part of the database.“Once that happens, any attempt to claim patent on the Indian yoga techniques practised since ancient time can be thwarted,” said Archana Sharma, head of TKDl.

It has been observed that several patents have been issued in the West for various yoga techniques. Many have copyright on those.The Government decided to form the TKDl after the bitter experience of some MNCs claiming patents for neem and turmeric in the last two decades.