India and Indian have their inherent and very original difficulty to understand and adopt intellectual- 'property' aspects in life, because what ever devised by Indian sires or saints was for 'bahu jana hitaya' (for common good)and often the present Indians mix up a point that they inherit a brilliant tradition in which intellectuality is never conceived as a 'property'. As legends suggest, the famous temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri was built by Raja Indradyumna. And when pleased, the Lord Jagannath pompously appeared before the king and offered to seek boon of his desire, the king said: O Lord, bless as so that there would be none in my family to become a useless claimant of this grand deed. Aghast, the Lord persuaded, "No my child, ask for any mundane prosperity because you deserve the reward." The king did not agree. "Deeds are not done for reward, my God. What reward we offer to the Sun and the Moon and the Waves and the Wind? Do they do anything less for us?" Let this story end here. Fantasy for any artist of imagination is a pride for Indian. He needs just an opportunity. Let us not blame anybody for that nor conclude anything on the basis of an allegation (Rowling), because since values are different, perceptions are bound to vary. Let the court decide on this basis. Rabi Kanungo Intellectual Forum.
RE:India and 'Intellectual' Rights.
by Arthur on Oct 12, 2007 10:31 AM Permalink
Great observation Rabi. Indeed our culture is so different in terms of understanding.
RE:India and 'Intellectual' Rights.
by USHAKANTI MOHAPATRA on Oct 12, 2007 10:00 AM Permalink
Lord Jagannath's temple building and King Indradyumna's story is really fascinating. Perhaps it complies to "karmanyebadhikarste na faleshu kadachanam" (Gita). India is really great with Vedic adaptibility.
RE:India and 'Intellectual' Rights.
by Suresh Gopalakrishnan on Oct 12, 2007 09:09 AM Permalink
It's a rather interesting anecdote. Didn't know about it! Shows the depth of our culture, a culture we are sadly not carrying forward!
RE:India and 'Intellectual' Rights.
by Sreeram Iyer on Oct 12, 2007 10:17 AM Permalink
Too good Rabi. I wish there were more people in the word like you... Sarvam itham ishwara srishti! Intelligence is God given. Everyone has it, but it may or may not get utilized...God given things need no property rights! If she could sell her ideas through her books, she could earn money and be happy but now, it seems she is possessed by it....and that is Bad, real bad.
