Open access to research: A paradigm shift in Indian context

UNESCO's latest science report ranks India as the third most research-intensive country globally, after China. India produces most of the world's open-access research and publishes research in national and international journals. But multinational companies monopolize the results of our research published in their journals or books. This prompted scientists in the West to launch the Open Access Initiatives at the beginning of the 21st century, which is similar to Chattampi Swamikal's efforts in South India. Government or public funding supports most research projects in a country like India. Hence researchers, students, and the general public have every right to access and benefit from the latest research. This only can further strengthen active research and redefinition of acquired knowledge. The country's higher education system is actively regulated and modernized, and now researchers are submitting research reports electronically, which makes Open Access speedy and efficient. Key initiatives include maintaining digital platforms, ensuring seamless access to Indian research, and investing in comprehensive theses collections. This article attempts to look at the current scenario from an Indian perspective.