Governor Punjab confers degrees at Vet Varsity Convocation

Ludhiana, March 6, 2024: Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana held its fourth Convocation on Wednesday at Pal Auditorium, PAU Campus, Ludhiana.

While delivering the convocation address, the Governor of Punjab, Banwarilal Purohit, Chancellor of the University, congratulated the students who have received their degrees after successfully completing the rigorous academic and research programmes in the university. He expected them to take up all types of challenges gracefully in their professional life to make significant contributions in uplifting the livestock sector and eventually the society. He highlighted the role of universities in producing knowledgeable, erudite, and cultured citizens for the nation. He lauded the contribution of the World Bank funded NAHEP-Institutional Development Plan whereby a total of 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.

He also extolled the livestock sector in the socio-economic development of the country. He specifically pointed out that 80 million dairy farmers have been working in this sector. Establishment of Dairy-based Inclusive Technology Business Incubation Centre at the university with financial assistance from 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. The university earned another distinction in hosting two national level disease diagnostic centres by the Government of India namely Lumpy Skin Disease and African Swine Fever Diagnostic Centres.

He was very much optimistic that scientists would chalk out a blueprint in meeting the aspirations of the fastest growing economy. He urged the newly graduated students and faculty of the university to become integral partners in shaping the trajectory of new India. He said that every person should develop love for animals. If anybody is capable he must build a farm of different animal species, he added. He also described his long lasting desire to rear horses.

Dr Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor in his convocation speech put forth the magnificent achievements of the university since the last convocation which was held in 2023. The University has very extensive state-of-the-art infrastructure with highly talented and proficient faculty to cater to the needs of research, teaching and extension and it has been accredited by Indian Council of Agricultural Research and recognized by University Grants Commission.  The students can quest for a professional career in veterinary sciences, fishery sciences, dairy science & technology and animal biotechnology. He delineated the on-going research projects funded by different national agencies. He also highlighted extension activities undertaken by the university to reach its stakeholders.

On the occasion, Dr DVR Prakash Rao, President of National Academy of Veterinary Sciences, New Delhi received Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) for his praiseworthy contribution in the field of veterinary sciences. The Registrar, Dr H S Banga informed that 250 students were awarded degrees who have successfully completed their academic programmes in Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Veterinary Science, Master of Dairy Science & Technology, Master of Fisheries Science, Master of Veterinary Science/ Master of Science (Biotechnology), Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Bachelor of Dairy Science & Technology, Bachelor of Fisheries Science and Bachelor of Biotechnology. A total of 06 Gold Medals and 63 Merit Certificates were also awarded to meritorious students for excelling at various levels in the university.

Dr O P Chaudhary, chairman Animal Welfare Board, Government of India was the Guest of Honour on this occasion. Members of the Board of Management of the university, officers, faculty and other dignitaries also graced the occasion.