World Veterinary Day-2023 celebrated at SKUAST-Kashmir

GANDERBAL : With the theme, ‘Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession’ a mega function of the world veterinary day (WVD), 2023 was today celebrated at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir here.

The event was sponsored by the World Bank funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) of SKUAST-K.

Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai was the chief guest who hoisted the World Veterinary Association flag, released the vet’s vision and inspected various student activities including rangoli and other art exhibitions.

Other officers of the University, heads of Divisions, Scientists and around 500 students participated in the event. The presence of retired veterinarians added grace to the function.

Addressing the well-attended gathering of scientists, undergrad and post grad students, farmers, and the students from various schools of the valley, the Vice-Chancellor said that the SKUAST-K is emerging as the top innovation led farm university that is being acknowledged at national and global level.

“SKUAST-K has redefined its vision that emphasises on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and has taken unto itself an additional mandate of innovation and entrepreneurship “he added.

He impressed upon the scientists, research scholars and students to gear up for the upcoming challenges facing agriculture and the allied sectors and come up with innovative solutions.

He also advised the students to inculcate social values and professional ethics for individual and societal wellbeing.

Earlier, a rally led by the chief guest and other participant dignitaries, students and guests was taken out from the Dean’s office. The rally culminated at the Veterinary Clinical complex where the Chief Guest inaugurated the Animal clinical camp and pet vaccination and deworming camp in which scores of livestock and pet owners were offered medicines, vaccinations and deworming medicines free of cost. On spot treatment to ailing animals was also provided.

Around 400 students from various schools of the valley participated in various competitive events like debates, seminars etc. which was also the highlight of this year’s WVD celebrations.

The students who secured the top three positions mesmerized the audience through their eloquent speeches highlighting the importance of the veterinary profession for sustainable development.

The ideas were highly appreciated by the chief guest. The winners were felicitated with mementos, certificates and cash prizes. On the occasion the best performing staff of the faculty and the event organisers were also felicitated.