Odisha Celebrates World Veterinary Day 2025, Calls for Collective Action in Animal Healthcare

Bhubaneswar: The State-level celebration of “World Veterinary Day-2025” was held today at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Hall, with a strong emphasis on collaborative efforts to enhance animal healthcare and environmental protection. Inaugurating the programme, Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (F&ARD) Department, Suresh Kumar Vashishtha, stressed the urgent need for a “One Planet, One Health” approach, underscoring the critical role veterinary professionals play in safeguarding both animal and environmental health.

Vijay Amruta Kulange, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, highlighted various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the livestock sector. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 300 farmers representing different parts of the state.

To mark the occasion, a Workshop on the Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana (MKY) and the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) was organized. The workshop sessions were facilitated by Dr. Bismita Nandi and Dr. Satyaprakash Mohapatra as rapporteurs, and moderated by Dr. Rajeev Sharma. Senior officials and experts including Dr. Antaryami Khuntia, Swapnananda Mohapatra, Dr. Biswaranjan Tripathy, Dr. Hadibandhu Bhoi, and Dr. Mihir Kumar Nayak actively participated in the discussions.

A technical seminar titled “Livestock Farmers, Civil Society and Veterinarians: A Team Approach in Animal Health” was also conducted. Dr. Prakash Biswas and Dr. Amiya Lal Patra served as rapporteurs, while Dr. Samapika Mohapatra moderated the session. Eminent speakers such as Dr. Rabindra Mohan Maharatha, Dr. Sanat Mishra, Dr. Kumaresh Behera, Dr. Biswanath Sahoo, and Subrat Prusty shared their insights on building a cohesive approach to animal healthcare.

The programme concluded with closing remarks by Bijay Amruta Kulange, who reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening veterinary services in the state. Dr. Deepti Mohapatra delivered the Vote of Thanks.

World Veterinary Day, celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April, honours the vital contributions of veterinarians to animal and public health. This year’s theme, announced by the World Veterinary Association (WVA), is “Animal Health Takes a Team,” highlighting the importance of collaboration among veterinarians, farmers, and civil society.