President Murmu Advocates 'One Health' and Animal Welfare at IVRI Convocation

President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presided over the convocation ceremony of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on June 30, 2025. In a heartfelt and visionary address, she emphasized India's age-old philosophy of coexistence with nature and the critical role veterinary science plays in the health of ecosystems, societies, and economies.

Emphasizing Cultural Values and Ecological Balance

President Murmu began her address by highlighting the profound Indian philosophical belief rooted in the verse "Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam"—which translates to "the divine resides in everything." She underlined that this worldview instills reverence for all life forms, inspiring harmony with animals, forests, and ecosystems. The President remarked that ancient Indian scriptures and lore—where sages and deities communicated with animals—are reflections of this inclusive spiritual ethos.

She warned about the accelerating extinction of species, stating that the survival of many is now under severe threat due to habitat loss and overconsumption. “Biodiversity is not just beauty or diversity for its own sake—it is a foundational element for a healthy and sustainable Earth,” she said. The President reminded everyone of the hard lessons taught by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially about the perils of a consumption-centric lifestyle and its devastating consequences on humans, animals, and the environment alike.

The Rise of ‘One Health’: A Global Call for Integration

Delving into contemporary global discourse, the President endorsed the concept of ‘One Health’, which views human health, animal health, and environmental health as deeply interconnected. She urged greater focus on this integrated approach, especially in preventing zoonotic diseases—those transmitted from animals to humans. “As a leading veterinary research institute,” she noted, “IVRI can be a cornerstone in this transformation.”

She highlighted India’s growing responsibility in not only improving domestic animal health care but also contributing globally to pandemic preparedness, through advanced veterinary research.

Harnessing Technology for Animal Welfare

President Murmu expressed optimism about the revolutionary impact that cutting-edge technologies can have in the veterinary domain. She cited tools like genome editing, artificial intelligence, embryo transfer techniques, and big data analytics as game-changers. These tools, she said, have the potential to redefine diagnostics, treatment, breeding, and surveillance in animal health.

She emphasized the importance of local innovation—urging IVRI researchers and scholars to prioritize the development of indigenous, cost-effective solutions in treatment and animal nutrition. “Focus must also be placed,” she added, “on reducing the use of medicines that may have residual or cascading side effects on humans and the environment.”

Guiding the Next Generation of Veterinarians

In a deeply inspiring segment of her speech, the President lauded the graduating students for choosing a career dedicated to the care of "innocent and voiceless" animals. She encouraged them to hold on to compassion as a guiding principle when making life and career decisions.

Moreover, she urged young veterinarians to move beyond traditional roles and consider entrepreneurship in animal science. Establishing start-ups and engaging in innovation, she said, could not only generate employment for others but also significantly boost the rural and national economy.

Vision for India’s Veterinary Future

President Murmu concluded her address by expressing confidence in the potential of institutes like IVRI to shape a future where veterinary science is integrated with sustainability, innovation, and compassion. She called upon the government, academia, and private sector to work in synergy for a healthier planet—one where humans, animals, and nature coexist in balance.

This event marked a moment of pride and introspection for the IVRI community and set a visionary tone for the future of veterinary sciences in India.