SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARI LAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF CONVOCATION OF GADVASU, LUDHIANA ON MARCH 6, 2024.

CONVOCATION GADVASU, LUDHIANA, MARCH 6, 2024.

It is an immense pleasure for me to be here with you all and be a part of this ceremonious occasion of the 4th Convocation of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana.

To begin with, I congratulate the emerging professional youth, receiving the Bachelors’, Masters’ and Doctorate Degrees today, after going through highly rigorous academic and research programmes.

I also congratulate all the Faculty members and other employees of the University who have directly or indirectly contributed to the success of the students graduating today.

It is a momentous occasion for the students as their meticulous hard work over the period of their studentship at the University, culminates today with the award of degrees in today’s convocation.

This is a day of fulfillment for the parents also who invested their efforts in educating you to this level. They sacrificed their personal happiness and pleasure to make sure that you god the best education that leads to a better future. This day, therefore, belongs to them in equal measure.

My dear students, with the training and knowledge that you have gained here, you are entering a new and challenging phase of your life. Some of you may opt for higher studies while some of you may take up a profession of your choice.

The profession that you choose will offer you unlimited opportunities to showcase your talents and skills acquired  during your stay at the University.

Today, the whole world is looking for the young, energetic and quality graduates from India.

Always Remember to practice your profession faithfully with dignity and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

Accept the continual improvement of professional knowledge and competence, as a lifelong obligation.

As the famous saying goes, I quote: “Success is no accident; it is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” (Unquote).

My dear students, today’s youth is tomorrow’s nation. There is no power greater than youth, no force stronger than a young man’s will and you are a reservoir of energy, creativity and progressive ideas.

For a developing nation like India, the youth are a treasure that is invaluable and priceless. They have the power to change the future for good and be part of the development of the nation.

You must be aware that the article 51A (g) of the Constitution of India places a duty on the citizens of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures.

It is apt recall what Mahatma Gandhi once said and I quote: “The greatness of a Nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” (unquote).

Friends,

Human – animal relationship dates back to the Harappan Civilization and we all know that sheep and goat where the first domesticated animals in the Indian subcontinent.

Our country is predominately an agricultural country and Livestock keeping is a centuries -old, invaluable tradition of ancient India.

Some of the most important cultural and religious institutions and traditions are linked to domesticated animals, Shalihotra, who was on expert in horse husbandry and medicine and who composed a test ‘Asva Shastra’, is regarded as the father of veterinary science.

Ancient literature is replete with texts composed by Sages on treatment of ailments of horses and elephants. It is said that the animal husbandry made a great progress in the Mauryan age (322-232 BC), preceded by Buddha and Mahavir, who preached non-violence towards animals. It is a described that the first veterinary hospital existed in Ashoka’s regime.

In ancient India, people had great knowledge on animal healthcare. Ancient literature on veterinary science remains to be exploited and review of the historic knowledge of animal healthcare can open a window to the traditional system of veterinary medicine in India.

Growing up as an emergent economy, the livestock sector in India has contributed significantly towards nation’s GDP contributing more than 5% to the national economy and providing employment to the 80 million dairy farmers directly.

Livestock sector has made huge contribution  in augmenting the family incomes and generated gainful employment for landless labourers, small and marginal farmers.

In addition, it has complemented in assuring food and nutritional security for the masses.

Livestock are the best insurance against the vagaries of nature like drought, famine and other natural calamities.

Recognizing the significance and potential of livestock sector, the Government of India has launched various schemes for sustainable and responsible development of the livestock and fisheries sectors including Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, Infrastructure Development Funds for dairy processing and Animal Husbandry, and The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

Though our country has the largest livestock population, but the per capita yield of livestock in India is not very encouraging and is comparatively towards lower side. Thus, there is a dire need for taking necessary steps for enhancing the livestock milk productivity.

Moreover, in recent days, the livestock sector is facing a range of challenges including climate change, emerging diseases, competition for natural resources and evolving demand for animal-source foods.

The scientific breakthroughs and technology interventions play a key role in continuous and sustainable growth in the livestock sector.

I believe the university scientists can play a vital role to meet these challenges through their knowledge, experience and research.

I am happy that under the World Bank  funded NAHEP-Institution Development Plan, 42 faculty members and 188 students from the university underwent training programmes at esteemed foreign universities, honing up their knowledge and strengthening valuable international collaborations.

I am also pleased that the university has made many strides towards the development of skilled human resources/entrepreneurs for generating employment opportunities through an initiation of a new undergraduate degree programme i.e. Bachelors of Vocation (B.Voc.). This programe entails the concept of Integrated Farming and Entrepreneurship by synergizing livestock and agricultural education.

Establishment of Dairy-Based Inclusive Technology Business Incubation (i-TBI) Centre at the University with fiscal support by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India is poised to emerge as a catalyst for transformative change, propelling Punjab to the forefront of the dairy industry's technological revolution.

It has brought to my cognizance that the University and its outstations are sincerely focusing on curtailing the menace of stubble burning through scientific approaches and creating knowledge and awareness about its utilization as animal feed.

The university has been bestowed with high priority responsibilities of hosting National Level Disease Diagnostic Centers by Government of India namely Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and African Swine Fever (ASF).

Furthermore, the university is offering its services towards surveillance and monitoring of infectious diseases and endemic zoonotic diseases.

Friends,

The role of extension services especially in the transfer of technology is most crucial for the farmers to realize the gains from technological innovations. From the scientists point of view, it is important to see that the technology reaches the end user in a rightful manner.

I am happy to know that the extension network of Guru Angad Dev University including Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are ensuring that the latest advancements and best practices in dairy processing reach even the farthest corners, empowering dairy farmers with the tools and techniques they need to optimize their operations and contribute to the overall advancement of the dairy industry in the region.

Dear young friends,

Veterinary Science is a noble profession that demands a selfless commitment to serving the needs of animals and the community, to improve the quality of our life by ensuring food security and safety, as well as preventing and controlling emerging diseases under ’One Health’ concept which takes a holistic approach to address human and animal health.

You have earned your Degrees at a juncture when India is poised for an astonishing transformation, emerging as the fastest-growing economy, globally.

I call upon you to actively participate as catalysts in our nation's ascendancy and progression. Let us together create Viksit Bharat at 2047.

Furthermore, I hope your foray into entrepreneurship, not only promising the personal growth but also to enable you to provide employment opportunities to the less fortunate youth.

I appreciate the University for commendable initiatives for elevation of the livestock sector and I extend my heartfelt wishes for continued glory and success of the institution.

I once again congratulate you on this Convocation Day and wish you very well in your future career and life.

Thank you,

Jai Hind.