(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
By [Abul Hasan]
BENGALURU | June 28, 2025 | At the vibrant confluence of innovation and tradition, the NICE Samanvay Summit 2025 held at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC) witnessed a compelling address by Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Managing Director of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).With a keen eye on the future and a firm grounding in cultural heritage, Sinha delivered a thought-provoking session on the intersections of culture, technology, and intellectual property rights (IPR) — and their far-reaching implications on every facet of contemporary life.

Speaking to an audience of entrepreneurs, policymakers, creatives, and technologists, Sinha emphasized the “360-degree impact” these intersecting domains have on how we live, work, socialize, and conduct business in the 21st century.

> “Culture is not a siloed subject. It breathes through the work we do, the technology we adopt, and the identities we claim and protect,” she said. “To navigate the digital age meaningfully, we must not only innovate but also embed cultural intelligence into our systems — and ensure robust protection through IPR frameworks.”

The Triad of Transformation

Sinha’s address framed Culture, Technology, and IPR as a triad — a dynamic interplay that demands balance and foresight. In an era where AI and digitization are transforming creative expression and commerce, she raised poignant questions about authenticity, ownership, and cultural sustainability.

She highlighted that while technology has democratized access and creation, it has also intensified the need for clear IP protection — particularly for traditional knowledge, indigenous art forms, and intangible heritage that risk being commodified without consent or credit.

> “IPR is not just a legal tool, it is a means of empowerment,” Sinha asserted. “When artisans, innovators, and storytellers own their narratives and innovations, it opens up ethical and economic pathways for inclusive growth.”

Cultural Capital in the Digital Economy

As MD of ITDC, Sinha brings a unique lens to the dialogue — one that merges public policy, tourism, heritage conservation, and digital innovation. She elaborated on how India’s cultural capital can be a driver of economic development, particularly when supported by strategic use of tech and IPR.

She pointed to case studies and initiatives where local traditions have been digitized responsibly, marketed globally, and protected under GI (Geographical Indications) and copyright regimes — generating revenue and visibility for communities often left out of the digital boom.

Toward a Holistic Future

The session resonated strongly with the Summit’s broader theme of Samanvay, or harmonious integration. Sinha called for cross-sector collaboration between government, industry, academia, and grassroots stakeholders to build a future that values both innovation and inheritance.

> “The future is not just smart, it has to be sensitive. A truly sustainable future blends innovation with introspection, and technology with tradition,” she concluded to resounding applause.

As the NICE Samanvay Summit 2025 continues to spotlight diverse voices shaping India’s creative and cultural economy, Mugdha Sinha’s insights served as a clarion call — to honor the past, engage with the present, and shape the future with wisdom and purpose.