The Department of Commerce, School of Tribal Resource Management (STRM) and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) under the banner of Institution Innovation Council, KISS-DU jointly organized a Distinguished Lecture on “Protect, Innovate & Lead: Unleashing the Power of IPR” on 25th October 2025. The event aimed to create awareness among students and faculty about the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in today’s knowledge-driven economy. The session was graced by Dr. Bijay Kumar Sahu, Senior Regional Manager & Head (Outreach Office), National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, who delivered the distinguished talk.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Professor Kashi Nath Jena, the Pro Vice Chancellor of KISS-DU and the guest introductory note was delivered by Dr. Ch. Sudipta Kishore Nanda, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce. The highlight of the event was the Distinguished Lecture by Dr. Bijay Kumar Sahu, who enlightened the audience on the multifaceted aspects of intellectual property – patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs – and their strategic role in empowering innovators and start-ups. He elaborated on how India’s evolving IPR ecosystem and government initiatives through NRDC are enabling young entrepreneurs and researchers to protect and commercialize their innovations. Dr. Sahu also shared real-world case studies of successful IP-led start-ups, emphasizing the value of protecting ideas, fostering innovation, and transforming creativity into sustainable enterprises. His insights inspired the students to view innovation not merely as invention but as a pathway to empowerment and self-reliance, aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The session concluded with Concluding Remarks by Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oram, Dean, School of Tribal Resource Management KISS-DU, who appreciated the speaker for his valuable inputs and encouraged students to cultivate an innovation-driven mindset. Dr. Parikshita Khatua, Head, Department of Commerce, proposed the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the distinguished speaker, dignitaries, faculty, and students for making the session a success.
The session was coordinated by Dr. Binita Nanda, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, School of Tribal Resource Management, KISS-DU. The Distinguished Lecture on “Protect, Innovate & Lead: Unleashing the Power of IPR” was an enriching experience for all participants. It not only broadened their perspectives on the power of intellectual property but also reinforced the KISS-DU’s 3-E formula to Educate, Enable and Empower.
