GUWAHATI, April 27 - World Veterinary Day was today celebrated at the College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in collaboration with Blue Cross Society, Assam, Veterinary and Dairy Pensioners� Forum, Assam; Indian Association of Women Veterinarian (Assam Chapter), AAU Teachers� Association (Veterinary Faculty) and College of Veterinary Science Students� Union.
AAU Vice Chancellor Dr KM Bujarbaruah attended the function as the chief guest, while Cotton University Vice Chancellor Dr BC Goswami was the guest of honour.
Dr DK Sarma, chairman of the organising committee, welcomed the dignitaries. On the occasion, a bilingual leaflet on vaccination schedules of livestock and poultry and the Pashu Kalyan magazine was released for the benefit of the farming community of the region.
Dr Bujarbaruah congratulated all veterinary professionals on the occasion of World Veterinary Day and emphasised on the role of veterinarians in vaccine production that would lead to eradication of many deadly diseases.
Dr Sarma, an eminent scientist in the field of veterinary microbiology, while delivering the thematic lecture on �Value of Vaccination�, elaborated on vaccinations that could prevent 10 million human deaths between 2010 to 2015. He also laid stress on cost-effective vaccine production to prevent animal diseases, saying that a vaccinated world was a more productive world.
Dr Goswami urged upcoming veterinarians to actively reach out to animal lovers and farmers. He also spoke about the importance of epidemiological studies to produce easily available and effective vaccines. He appreciated the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara for its contribution towards animal health and welfare.
Dr BN Saikia, dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, AAU, Khanapara, in his presidential speech, emphasised on the role and responsibilities of veterinarians for livelihood and food security and stated that the 21st Century would be the century of livestock revolution. He appealed to the veterinarians to contribute towards sustainable livestock production for the betterment of society.
Dr BK Kownar, president of the Veterinary and Dairy Pensioners� Forum and Dr CK Rajkowar, former director of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, also addressed the gathering.
On the occasion, Dr A Chakravarty, former director of research (veterinary), AAU, was conferred the Prani Mitra award for his contribution in the field of animal disease diagnosis and wildlife conservation.
As part of the celebrations, the College of Veterinary Science also organised a four-day anti-rabies vaccination programme at the institute. Over 150 dogs were vaccinated during the period.
