Capacity Building Programme | Traditional Knowledge Systems and Cultural Expressions in India | RMLNLU Lucknow | ICCSR New Delhi | Register by 20th April 2026

Capacity Building Programme | Traditional Knowledge Systems and Cultural Expressions in India | RMLNLU Lucknow | ICCSR New Delhi | Register by 20th April 2026

Two-Week Capacity Building Programme on Traditional Knowledge Systems and Cultural Expressions in India: Social and Legal Dimensions

May 04–16, 2026
Organized by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow
Sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi

Background:

India possesses one of the richest reservoirs of Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) and Cultural Expressions (TCEs), ranging from indigenous medicine, agriculture, ecological practices, folklore, handicrafts, music, dance, rituals, and oral traditions. These knowledge systems, deeply rooted in community life, are transmitted across generations and form the backbone of cultural identity and livelihood for tribal, rural, and artisan communities.

However, globalization, commercialization, and technological progress have led to misappropriation, bio-piracy, and exploitation of these resources, often without recognition or benefit-sharing with the communities of origin. This programme seeks to address these challenges by examining both social realities and legal frameworks.

Rationale:

Global initiatives such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and UNDRIP emphasize safeguarding traditional knowledge. India has pioneered efforts like the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), which prevents frivolous patent claims. Yet, gaps remain:

• Current IP regimes (copyright, patents, GI) often fail to protect collective, intergenerational knowledge.
• Documentation-heavy legal mechanisms sometimes undermine community autonomy.
• Misappropriation in industries like fashion and design continues despite GI protections.

This programme aims to bridge these gaps by combining legal principles with social dynamics.

Problem Statement:

Key challenges faced by holders of traditional knowledge include:

• Legal inadequacies: Defensive mechanisms like TKDL prevent misuse but do not grant positive rights of ownership and control.
• Cultural misappropriation: Examples include exploitation of Toda embroidery and Madhubani art despite GI registration.
• Weak enforcement: Out of 200,000 Biodiversity Management Committees, only 15–20% are functional.
• Ineffective benefit-sharing: Despite Ayurveda’s ₹30,000 crore market, practitioners often remain excluded from revenue streams.

Objectives of the Programme:

1. To deliberate on the social and legal dimensions of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.
2. To expose participants to the intricacies of TKS and TCEs.
3. To introduce innovative teaching-learning and legal research methods.
4. To train participants in policy research and meaningful academic inquiry.
5. To enhance teaching and research capabilities of faculty members.

Eligibility:

• Open to Lecturers/Assistant Professors in UGC-recognized universities, deemed universities, colleges, institutes of national importance, and ICSSR research institutes.
• Applications must be forwarded through the parent institution.

Programme Details:

• Duration: 12 days (May 04–16, 2026)
• Format: Offline mode, three lectures daily followed by discussions.
• Inaugural Session: May 04, 2026, at 09:30 AM
• Valedictory Session: May 16, 2026, at 03:30 PM
• Venue: Video Conference Room, Madhu Limaye Library, RMLNLU, Lucknow

Resource Persons:

The programme will feature eminent academicians and professionals, including:

• Prof. V. K. Ahuja (Indian Law Institute)
• Prof. Lisa P. Lukose (GGSIP University)
• Dr. G. R. Raghavender (DPIIT, Govt. of India)
• Prof. Zafar Mehfooz Nomani (AMU)
• Prof. Raman Mittal (University of Delhi)
• Prof. Niraj Kumar (NLU Delhi)
• Along with distinguished faculty from RMLNLU, BHU, University of Lucknow, and other institutions.

Registration Guidelines:

• Mode: Offline only.
• Registration Fee: None.
• Seats: 30 participants (10 local, 10 within state, 10 outside state).
• Selection: First-come-first-serve basis, with reservation benefits as per rules.
• Application Process:
  • Fill the Google form: Registration Link
  • Submit hard copy to Registrar, RMLNLU, Lucknow, by May 02, 2026.
  • Last date for registration: April 20, 2026
  • Intimation of acceptance: April 22, 2026

Certificates will be awarded only to participants securing 50% marks in the final assessment test.

Accommodation & Allowances:

• Travel allowance as per ICSSR guidelines.
• Day hospitality for all participants.
• Accommodation provided for outstation participants on a shared basis.
• Local participants must arrange their own accommodation.

Contact Information:

• Course Director: Dr. Manoj Kumar (Email: director.cbp2026@gmail.com | Mobile: 9891601151)
• Co-Course Director: Dr. Vikas Bhati (Email: director.cbp2026@gmail.com | Mobile: 8429457581)
• Student Coordinators:
  • Mr. Rishi Shukla (+91-7985176907)
  • Mr. Ashish Kumar (+91-9455300120)

Organizing Team:

• Patron-in-Chief: Prof. (Dr.) Amar Pal Singh, Vice Chancellor, RMLNLU
• Patron: Prof. (Dr.) Manish Singh, HOD, Department of Legal Studies, RMLNLU
• Course Director: Dr. Manoj Kumar, Associate Professor of Law, RMLNLU
• Co-Course Director: Dr. Vikas Bhati, Associate Professor of Law, RMLNLU

For More Information:

Disclaimer:

Any content on this website (i.e www.lawof.in) is solely for information purpose. It does not constitute formal recommendation or any professional advice.  Due care has been taken in posting information, the existence of omissions herein is not ruled out. Neither the author nor lawof.in accepts any liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of any inaccurate or incomplete information on this website nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. No part of posts on this website should be distributed or copied (except for non-commercial use, personal) without express written permission of lawof.in if there is any question or query then please mail on lawof.in@gmail.com

#TraditionalKnowledge #CulturalExpressions #CapacityBuilding #RMLNLU #ICSSR #LegalResearch #SocialJustice #AcademicProgramme