President Droupadi Murmu addresses the 11th Convocation of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute

Bareilly : Addressing the 11th Convocation of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) on Monday, President Droupadi Murmu said the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the harmful impact of a consumption-driven culture on humans, animals, and the environment. She emphasized the need to organize Animal Health Melas to promote grassroots-level animal care and suggested that veterinary camps in villages could play a vital role in strengthening public health.

Expressing concern over the decreasing visibility of domestic animals in rural areas, she said, “These animals have historically supported agriculture. While we have embraced technology, essential soil partners like earthworms are vanishing, leading to barren land. Restoring soil fertility requires collective efforts from farmers, scientists, veterinarians, and citizens.” She emphasized the need to protect and promote livestock wealth as a national responsibility.

The President shared that she hails from an environment deeply connected to nature. Addressing the graduating students, she urged them to let compassion and empathy guide their work as doctors and researchers, especially in their service to voiceless animals.

During the ceremony, the President conferred degrees and medals upon the meritorious students. Reflecting on the deep bond between humans and animals, she remarked, “This relationship is much like that of a family. While we now live in a modern, tech-driven world, in earlier times animals were our tools and companions. Farmers could not progress without them. Animals were once considered our wealth—life without them was unimaginable,” she said, adding that the Indian culture perceives the presence of the divine in all living beings.

She remarked that the institute, established in 1889, has achieved numerous milestones in its 135-year journey. She spoke about the research contributions of scientists and the patents, designs, and copyrights held by the institute. She emphasized that the adage “Prevention is better than cure” is just as applicable to animal health. Vaccination plays a vital role in disease prevention, and it is a matter of pride that IVRI has developed several vaccines under the National Animal Disease Control Programme.

The President noted that the decline in vulture populations is partly due to chemical drugs used in veterinary treatments. Banning such drugs is a commendable step toward vulture conservation, and she praised the scientific community for this effort. She highlighted that many species are either extinct or on the verge of extinction and stressed the importance of biodiversity conservation for ecological balance. Institutions like IVRI should lead by example in enhancing biodiversity.

The President congratulated the medal and degree recipients and expressed delight at the strong presence of female awardees, calling it an encouraging sign of women’s growing role in veterinary science, as in other fields. She recalled how women have traditionally cared for cows and other animals within households, noting that this deep-rooted connection makes their participation in the veterinary field especially meaningful.

Addressing the students, President Droupadi Murmu said that by choosing a career dedicated to the treatment and welfare of innocent and voiceless animals, they have embraced a path deeply rooted in compassion. She remarked that the Indian ethos of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’—may all be happy—reflects the very spirit of their chosen field.

Referring to IVRI’s motto, she underlined its essence: “Truth and virtue lead to knowledge.” She said she believed students had imbibed this spirit during their education and should carry it forward in their careers. “Whenever you face a moment of doubt, think about those voiceless creatures you have pledged to serve. You will find your path,” she advised.

The President highlighted the role of the Animal Science Incubator operating at IVRI in promoting entrepreneurship and start-ups in veterinary science. She encouraged students to establish ventures that could not only generate employment, but also contribute to the national economy. She said alumni from prestigious global institutions and industries could also guide such initiatives.

She stressed the growing importance of the ‘One Health’ concept, which views human, animal, plant, and environmental health as interconnected. She urged everyone to uphold this principle, rooted in India’s own traditions, and to actively work towards animal welfare. As a premier veterinary institute, IVRI can play a significant role in the control and prevention of genetic diseases. She urged that the intellectual capacity granted to humans by the divine be used for the welfare of all living beings.

The President noted that technology has the potential to revolutionize veterinary medicine and care, just as it has transformed other sectors. She said veterinary healthcare across the country can be strengthened through technologies like genome editing, embryo transfer, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. Institutions like IVRI should use cutting-edge technologies to develop affordable and indigenous solutions for diagnosing animal diseases and improving nutrition. She also urged the exploration of alternatives to harmful drugs that have adverse effects not only on animals but also on humans and the environment.

The event was also attended by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary, and other dignitaries.