JALUKBARI, March 30 - A five-day exhibition on �Time Past and Time Present: Treasures of Human Knowledge in Asiatic Society� ended yesterday at the A-T Hall of Gauhati University here. The exhibition was hosted by the Department of History of the varsity in collaboration with the Asiatic Society, Kolkata.
Dr Topi Basar of National Law University, Assam, who was the guest speaker on the occasion, spoke on �Future of traditional knowledge, community intellectual property rights and law�.
She said intellectual property right (IPR) law is an emerging area in the branch of law, which needs to be dealt with properly. The original development of IPR was developed along with the establishment of the World Trade Organization.
She further added that scholars and academicians always deal with the issue of copyright and a thorough understanding of the copyright issue, including its legal obligations and limits, is extremely important.
While talking on the issue of future of traditional knowledge, Dr Basar said everything people wear in their day to day life is branded with an intellectual property right.
Professor Tapati Mukherjee, library secretary of the Asiatic Society and former VC of SKB University, who was present as the guest of honour, said, �Unlike other exhibitions or workshops, this exhibition is something different due to the fact that for the first time in the history of Asiatic Society, an exhibition showcasing such works of the Society has been organised in North East India. The interaction and exchange of ideas between these two institutions will continue.�
Gauhati University VC Dr Mridul Hazarika, who presided over the function, said, �This kind of interaction between the two institutions will always strengthen many aspects.�
Jishnu Barua, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, who was also the chief guest, said, �Knowledge is something which should be made available to everyone.�
He further urged all the research scholars of Assam to visit the State Archive and make maximum use of the same. Professor Noni Gopal Mahanta, Registrar (i/c), GU, who was present on the occasion, said, �We hope for a long association with the Asiatic Society through the History Department. The Asiatic Society may also kindly consider for opening its branch or chapter in GU.�
