'I' leads each of us

'I' comes in the beginning of the words 'idea', 'initiative', 'innovation'. 'I' stands for ourselves. We often forget ourselves and try to find 'I' somewhere else. Although that sounds philosophical, we always try to claim the idea when someone else tries to use it. That's what Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is all about. Protecting your idea is what comes under patenting.

'I'ndians, including me, are averse to using a negative right - as patenting is described to be, especially with reference to dissemination of knowledge. Patenting is called a negative right because it stops others from using your idea. Our culture has considered giving knowledge as 'Vidyadaan'. It means giving knowledge as a donation. Knowledge should be given free for the welfare of mankind. This is the attitude we have nurtured through ages.

Post liberalization and post Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), we have suddenly awakened to the reality of 'Commercialization of Knowldege'. Although a western concept, we are now compelled to accept it. 'Capitalize on your knowledge' is the slogan being given by one and all. Trade your intellect is the order of the day. Make hay when the sun shines goes the old adage.

The very 'I', which spirituality speaks of causing ego, makes one realize the potential within oneself. It is necessary for everyone of us to know ourselves. 'I'ndia has awakened to this truth. That is one of the biggest thing given to us by liberalization. 'I'ndia, the sleeping giant, has arisen.

Swami Vivekananda said, 'Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached.'

Indian IT industry, pharmaceutical industry, automobile industry has already made its presence felt in the USA and Europe. It has come about in a very short period, beginning 1991, when liberalization began. There is no doubt that 'I'ndia will outperform.

We are over 100 crore 'I's. Such a huge population is 'I'ndia's boon. Let us open the 'I' within.