Thesis Title:
A Taste of Tradition: Exploring Geographical Indications and Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge in Canada
Originally from New Delhi, India, I chose to pursue a dual integrated Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Law from University School of Law and Legal Studies, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi. I have also studied at Gujarat National Law University's year-long Diploma in IPR Law and Management in Gujarat, India. Through a series of modules, I focused on Intellectual Property Rights, Technology Transfer, and collective IP management. I also obtained a certificate in “Settlement of Disputes in International Law” from the Indian Institute of International Law in New Delhi, India.
During my studies, I have interned with many renowned lawyers and leading law firms, attending court proceedings, and conducting research. Moreover, I have volunteered with Vikalp Law Society, a student-run NGO for over five years, teaching underprivileged children in slum areas. As a part of Vikalp’s leadership, I currently lead and manage a team of 15-20 volunteers and am responsible for teaching 30-40 students at the centre every week.
I am a certified Paralegal Volunteer through the university’s Legal Aid Society. I worked with the DSLSA (Delhi State Legal Services Authority), one of India’s largest human rights organizations. I assisted lawyers in preparing appropriate applications for bail for under-trial prisoners as well as participated in campaigns for legal awareness in colleges, helped set up legal help desks in malls, and hosted workshops to assist citizens with traffic tickets and minor court violations.
Law has always been regarded as one of the noblest professions that can be pursued by anyone. It is a force of positive change for society. On an individual level, teachers have the power and the responsibility to shape young minds and influence their future. There has always been a shortage of teachers who also have experience in the field of research and have been formally trained to teach. The LLM with Certificate in University Teaching and Learning here at UWindsor would offer unprecedented experiential learning opportunities like no other Canadian Masters programme.
The right to control shared knowledge is one of the largest human rights issues concerning indigenous people that has arisen in recent years. Challenges to the protection of TK exist both domestically and internationally. Despite several Canadian and Indian legislations related to the protection of TK, instances of misappropriation remain. The existing intellectual property regime is unable to accommodate and resolve issues of exploitation and commercialization of TK.
After the completion of my Master’s degree in Canada, I would like to return to India to pursue a career in teaching and research. The research community that explores law and its impacts on society in India is quite weak for such a large country. My research experience at the University of Windsor will allow me to gain the research skills necessary to return to India and pursue research at a university where I can influence the young minds to think about the problems. It is our responsibility to train lawyers and researchers to think about the ramifications of law and how to deal with it. I want to be a part of this process. As a researcher and teacher at a university in India, I will be able to bring about this change. In a world where law mostly equates to power and wealth, I want to seek more individuals like myself who are passionate about the subject.
Public Final Oral Defence for LLM Student Rashveen Chawla
Defence Date: Friday, September 8, 2023 - 1-3 PM