Q1: What is 'Namoh 108' flower?
'Namoh 108' is a variety of lotus flower discovered in Manipur, India. It is named after its unique feature of having exactly 108 petals. The flower holds religious significance in Hinduism due to the number 108.
Q2: Why is the number 108 significant?
The number 108 is considered sacred and holds spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is believed to represent the universe, with each digit symbolizing individual elements – 1 for the divine, 0 for emptiness or completeness, and 8 for infinity.
Q3: What makes 'Namoh 108' flower special?
Apart from having 108 petals, the initial appearance of the 'Namoh 108' flower was ordinary compared to other lotus varieties. However, its genetic makeup was studied in detail, and its genome was sequenced, making it the only lotus variety in India with such information.
Q4: What is the significance of sequencing the genome?
Sequencing the genome provides valuable insights into the genetic makeup and characteristics of a plant. It helps scientists understand its traits, growth patterns, and potential applications.
Q5: How is the 'Namoh 108' flower being promoted?
The CSIR-NBRI (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Botanical Research Institute) aims to cultivate and promote the 'Namoh 108' flower as a distinct and official lotus variety of India. The institute plans to create an ecosystem around the flower, including industrial and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Q6: What products have been developed from the 'Namoh 108' flower?
Products made from the 'Namoh 108' flower include apparel made from its fiber and a perfume named 'Frotus.' These products showcase the potential applications of the flower beyond its religious significance.
Q7: What does 'Namoh' mean?
'Namoh' is derived from the Sanskrit word "Namaha," which translates to 'salutations' or 'obeisance.' It is a form of respectful acknowledgment.
Q8: What is the 'Lotus Mission' initiated by CSIR-NBRI?
As part of an ongoing horticultural mission, CSIR-NBRI is launching a 'Lotus Mission' to promote the cultivation and growth of more 'Namoh 108' flowers. This mission aims to further enhance the presence of this unique lotus variety in India.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and 'Namoh 108' Flower
'Namoh 108' flower, with its distinct feature of having exactly 108 petals, holds both cultural and scientific significance. While the flower itself is a natural creation, the knowledge and research associated with its discovery, genetic sequencing, and potential applications can have implications for intellectual property rights (IPR). Here's how IPR might relate to the 'Namoh 108' flower:
1. Genetic Sequencing: The process of sequencing the genome of the 'Namoh 108' flower involves a significant amount of research and scientific effort. This information can be considered intellectual property, and researchers and institutions involved may seek protection for their findings.
2. Breeders' Rights: If the 'Namoh 108' flower is cultivated through selective breeding or hybridization, breeders might seek Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR) to protect their new plant variety. PBR grants exclusive rights to the breeder for a certain period, enabling them to control the commercial use of the new variety.
3. Traditional Knowledge: The discovery of the significance of 108 petals in the flower's religious context is based on traditional knowledge. Ensuring that this knowledge is acknowledged and respected, especially when using the flower for commercial purposes, could involve discussions on traditional intellectual property rights.
4. Commercial Applications: Products derived from the 'Namoh 108' flower, such as fiber-based apparel and perfumes, might involve trademarks or trade secrets for branding and marketing.
It's important to note that while certain aspects of the 'Namoh 108' flower's discovery and applications might be eligible for protection under intellectual property laws, there's a balance to be maintained between protecting innovation and ensuring that cultural, traditional, and public interests are also respected.
