Raghunath Anant Mashelkar Took on Global Patent Giants and Won : The Untold Story of How India Saved Turmeric and Basmati from Being Stolen
At a time when India was still finding its footing in a rapidly globalising world, a silent battle was unfolding, one that did not involve weapons but ideas, ownership, and identity. In the 1990s, as global corporations began staking claims over age-old Indian knowledge, the threat of what many called “biological colonisation” loomed large. It was in this critical moment that Raghunath Anant Mashelkar stepped forward not just as a scientist but as a guardian of India’s intellectual and cultural legacy.A Scientist with a National MissionBorn in Goa and raised in Mumbai, Mashelkar’s journey was shaped by an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. From earning his degrees at the Institute of Chemical Technology to leading some of India’s most prestigious scientific institutions, his career was defined by both academic brilliance and visionary leadership. As Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, he transformed the organisation into a globally competitive research powerhouse, placing India firmly on the international innovation map. But beyond laboratories and research papers, Mashelkar’s most defining contribution came in defending India’s traditional knowledge from being wrongly claimed by foreign entities.The Battle Over Basmati RiceIn 1997, a Texas-based company, RiceTec, was granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for what it described as a new variety of Basmati rice. On the surface, it appeared to be a standard scientific claim. But for India, it was far more serious. If upheld, this patent could have prevented Indian farmers from exporting their own centuries-old Basmati rice under its rightful name in key international markets. Mashelkar recognised the gravity of the situation. This was not just about rice; it was about ownership of heritage. Instead of reacting emotionally, he took a scientific approach. He assembled a team that meticulously traced the genetic origins of the rice. Their findings revealed that the so-called “new” variety was derived from traditional Indian germplasm that had existed for generations. Armed with evidence, Mashelkar and his team challenged the patent. The result was historic. The majority of RiceTec’s claims were struck down, protecting not only India’s farmers but also its agricultural identity.Turmeric: A Household Remedy, A Global LessonAround the same time, another case highlighted the gap between traditional knowledge and modern patent systems. Researchers at the University of Mississippi were granted a patent for the use of turmeric in wound healing. To many in the West, this seemed like a novel discovery. To Indians, it was a practice as old as time, something passed down through generations. Mashelkar understood that the challenge lay not in proving the truth but in proving it in a language the global system understood. He and his team presented evidence from ancient Ayurvedic texts along with documented research from the Journal of the Indian Medical Association dating back to 1953. This established turmeric’s medicinal use as “prior art,” meaning it could not be patented as a new invention. The patent was revoked, marking the first time a US patent was successfully challenged using traditional knowledge from a developing country. It was a landmark moment, not just for India, but for the global understanding of intellectual property.The Vision of a Scalable SolutionWhile these victories were significant, Mashelkar knew that India could not afford to fight such battles one by one. The problem was systemic. Patent examiners around the world simply did not have access to knowledge recorded in Sanskrit, Tamil, Persian, and other Indian languages. If it wasn’t documented in globally accessible formats, it was effectively invisible. This insight led to one of Mashelkar’s most visionary initiatives: the creation of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library. This massive project involved hundreds of experts, including scientists, linguists, IT professionals, and legal experts. Together, they digitised over 500,000 traditional formulations, converting ancient texts into structured, searchable data in multiple international languages. Today, patent offices worldwide, including the USPTO and the European Patent Office, use the TKDL as a reference. Before granting patents, examiners can now check whether a claim already exists in traditional knowledge. What once required lengthy legal battles can now be resolved instantly with a simple database search.A Legacy That Continues to InspireOver the years, Mashelkar has received some of India’s highest civilian honours, including the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Yet, his true legacy lies not in awards but in the systems he built and the mindset he inspired. He championed the idea of “inclusive innovation,” often described as getting more from less for more people. His work continues to influence how India approaches research, intellectual property, and innovation in a globalised world. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar’s journey is a powerful reminder that progress is not just about creating new knowledge but also about protecting what already exists. In standing up against powerful global interests, he ensured that India’s heritage remained in its rightful hands. His story is not just about patents or policies; it is about a nation finding its voice in the world of science. And in that voice, there is confidence, clarity, and an enduring sense of pride.
