Bareilly: President Droupadi Murmu, addressing the 11th convocation of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, called for a fundamental rethink of humanity’s relationship with animals and nature. Speaking to over 570 graduating veterinary students, the President said the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the grave risks of a consumption driven culture, warning that such an approach damages not only humans but also animals, biodiversity, and the environment.
Describing IVRI as a pioneering institution with 135 years of scientific legacy, the President applauded its achievements in animal health and vaccine development. She stressed that institutions like IVRI must take a lead role in biodiversity conservation, rural health, and innovation in veterinary science. “This is not just a professional degree,” she told students, “it is a pledge to stand with the voiceless, to empathise with life in all its forms.”
The President also highlighted the diminishing visibility of domestic animals in rural India, a shift she said is weakening agriculture and damaging ecological balance. She called for organizing Animal Health Melas and veterinary camps in villages, advocating a broader integration of veterinary care with rural public health.
Praising IVRI’s contributions to vaccination, disease control, and entrepreneurship, the President underscored the importance of affordable and indigenous technological solutions for animal healthcare. She urged students to become innovators and entrepreneurs, and to align their work with the One Health vision that links human, animal, and environmental well-being.
Addressing the graduates, President Murmu emphasised compassion and duty, reminding them that Indian culture sees the divine in all living beings. “If ever you feel lost,” she said, “remember the voiceless lives who depend
on you.”
“IVRI’s 136-year journey a national inspiration, you link science with compassion”: CM
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking at the convocation, lauded IVRI as a symbol of India's scientific and moral ethos. He said, “This institution has not just served animals, it has served society.” Highlighting IVRI’s role during the pandemic, he noted it conducted over two lakh COVID-19 tests and developed a crucial vaccine during the outbreak of lumpy skin disease in cattle. He praised scientists for standing with the voiceless and empowering farmers through innovations in livestock breeding.
Drawing from Bareilly’s spiritual history, he likened IVRI’s modern scientific achievements to the city’s heritage of faith and service. Addressing students, he quoted Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s verse on resilience, urging them to pursue dreams even in adversity. “This degree,” he said, “is your pledge to serve society with dignity and resolve.”
