Kapila Kalam Program, Significance, Objectives, Key Details

On the 89th anniversary of the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on October 15, 2020, the Union Education Ministry launched the Kalam Program for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness Campaign (KAPILA) which was inaugurated by the Union Education Minister, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. The Ministry celebrates the week of October 15 to October 23 as “Intellectual Property Literacy Week” every year to raise awareness. This program aims to enhance awareness about the protection and utilization of Intellectual Property (IP) among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The initiative also includes funding support to encourage filing of IP, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

Kapila Kalam Program Objectives

1. Recognizing and facilitating intellectual property innovations and best practices in higher educational institutions (HEIs). 
2. The program seeks to address the lack of awareness among students and young researchers regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), including the processes and benefits of filing patents for their inventions. 
3. KAPILA aims to empower innovators in HEIs to protect and benefit from their intellectual contributions.
4. Development of credit courses on IPR, which provide in-depth knowledge about IP rules, the filing process, and the importance of protecting intellectual property. 
5. KAPILA highlights the gap in awareness among young researchers who consistently work on innovative projects under the guidance of their teachers but often lack the knowledge or resources to file patents effectively.

Kapila Kalam Program Significance

1. The Kalam Program for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness Campaign (KAPILA) plays an important role in India’s journey towards becoming a 15 trillion US dollar economy by 2024-25 by focusing on innovation and strengthening intellectual property awareness among students and researchers. 
2. Under KAPILA, students in higher education institutions are provided with detailed information about the patent application process, ensuring they understand the correct system for filing patents to protect their inventions. 
3. The program facilitates colleges and institutions promoting patent filing and the preservation of intellectual property. 

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