Bareilly: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday attended the convocation ceremony of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, the President emphasized India’s deep-rooted cultural values that acknowledge the divine presence in all living beings, quoting the ancient philosophy of “Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam”.
She reflected on the Indian tradition where even deities and sages are believed to have communicated with animals, underscoring the cultural ethos of coexistence. “Humans share a symbiotic relationship with forests and wildlife. Sadly, many species have already gone extinct or are on the verge of extinction,” she noted, urging stronger efforts toward biodiversity conservation.
Highlighting the global relevance of the ‘One Health’ concept, President Murmu explained how human, animal, plant, and environmental health are interdependent. “The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stern reminder that a consumer-driven lifestyle can lead to unimaginable damage — not just to humanity but to all life forms and ecosystems,” she said. She called upon the veterinary community to play an active role in preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases, which transfer from animals to humans.
Praising IVRI’s contributions to animal welfare and research, she emphasized the importance of adopting advanced technologies such as genome editing, embryo transfer, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics in veterinary care. “Technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we care for animals across the country,” she said, encouraging innovation in affordable and indigenous treatments, nutrition, and safe alternatives to conventional drugs that could have harmful effects on animals, humans, and the environment alike.
President Murmu lauded the graduating students for choosing a noble profession that centers on caring for voiceless animals. She advised them to turn to animals in times of moral dilemma. “Thinking about the silent beings you serve will always guide you towards the right path,” she said.
She urged the young veterinarians to become entrepreneurs and explore opportunities for startups in animal sciences, which could not only generate employment but also contribute meaningfully to India’s economy.
The President’s visit to IVRI was seen as a morale booster for the veterinary community and reinforced the importance of animal welfare in national discourse.
