While delivering the convocation address, His Excellency, the Governor of Punjab, Shri Banwarilal Purohit, Hon’ble Chancellor of the University, congratulated the youth 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 so as to make significant contributions to uplift the livestock sector and eventually to the society. He highlighted the role of universities in producing knowledgeable, erudite and cultured citizens for the nation.
He also lauded the contribution of livestock sector in the socio-economic development of the country, thereby, creation of a separate Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying by Government of India in June, 2019 and later on enhancing its fund allocation by more than 40 % for the fiscal year 2022-23, to give positive flip to this sector. He motivated students to be fair in life and inculcate rich human values and ethics for a better society.The Hon’ble Chancellor of University was very much optimistic that scientists would chalk out a blueprint in meeting the surge in estimated national demand of milk and milk products of 266.5 million metric tons by 2030.
The scientists would also develop low-cost feed resources for different species of livestock as the price of feed ingredients skyrocketed in recent times due to ongoing war in other parts of the world. He took pride in declaring that GADVASU possesses one of the best performing herds of crossbred cattle in the country with lactation milk yield of more than 6000 kg. Livestock species are encountering outbreaks of many infectious and contagious diseases in the field. He asked veterinarians to devise easy-to-conduct methods for early detection of such diseases to prevent losses.
Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, in his convocation speech put forth the magnificent achievements of the university since the last convocation which was held in 2011. 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 (120 in number) worth over Rs 39 crores funded by different national agencies.
He also highlighted extension activities undertaken by the university to reach its stakeholders. He specifically mentioned about “Pashu Palak Tele-Advisory Kendra” set up at the university campus with financial support by NABARD. This Kendra has been addressing farmers’ queries on a daily basis through dedicated mobile numbers (+91- 62832-58834 and +91-62832-97917). All the newer tools of communication like MOOCs, YouTube channel, e-Magazine, e-Newsletter, webinars etc. have been adopted by the university.On the occasion, Sh. Tarun Shridhar, retired IAS & Member (Administrative), Central Administrative Tribunal received Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) for his praiseworthy contribution in Livestock and Fisheries Sectors. He also shared rich and interesting experiences of his life as a bureaucrat.
Dr. H.S Banga, Registrar informed that 318 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 24 Gold Medals for different Academic Years were also awarded to meritorious students for excelling at university level.Dr. Umesh Chandra Sharma, President, Veterinary Council of India, Members of Board of Management of GADVASU, officers, faculty and other dignitaries also graced the occasion.