Dr. Madhuresh Kumar Sethi, a distinguished pharmaceutical R&D leader with over two decades of experience, has helped global pharma companies develop non-infringing APIs, secure regulatory approvals, and protect innovation through more than 70 granted patents. As an Independent Director and expert in ESG and Intellectual Property, he brings a deep understanding of how knowledge, when protected and scaled, fuels economic power.
As India steadily rises to become the world’s fourth-largest economy with a projected GDP of $4.19 trillion, Dr. Sethi highlights a crucial—yet often neglected—lever for national progress: intellectual property education in schools.
While infrastructure and digital transformation are frequently emphasized in national development dialogues, Dr. Sethi argues that India’s next big leap lies in cultivating intellectual capital. To narrow the gap with economies like China (currently at ~$20 trillion GDP) and move toward a $30–$40 trillion vision, he believes India must empower its youngest citizens with the tools to innovate, protect, and commercialize ideas.
“To build an economy rooted in innovation, we must begin nurturing the minds of innovators early,” says Dr. Sethi. “Embedding intellectual property education from grade school onwards can ignite a new era of creators, thinkers, and technologists.”
Dr. Sethi envisions a future where IP education is introduced as early as Grade 3 and integrated progressively through Grade 12. Such a curriculum would enable students to:
- Think like real-world problem-solvers
- Understand and respect IP laws
- Develop and protect original inventions and ideas
- Monetize creativity across science, technology, and digital media
- Contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation-led GDP
Having worked across global markets and led IP-driven growth in the pharma sector, Dr. Sethi views this initiative as critical for positioning India as a knowledge economy. “We must train our children not just to be job seekers, but IP generators—individuals who know how to turn ideas into assets,” he says.
India’s success in embracing STEM and digital education serves as a model. Dr. Sethi believes IP literacy must now be the next national priority. It aligns seamlessly with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and supports India’s fast-growing startup and scientific ecosystems.
“By teaching children how to create, protect, and scale their ideas, we’re not just educating—we’re economically empowering a generation,” he explains.
As India sets its sights on economic leadership beyond $40 trillion, Dr. Sethi makes a compelling case:
“Intellectual property education for every child isn’t a luxury—it’s a national necessity.”