Veterinary Education Overhaul Debated at SKUAST-Kashmir Conclave  | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: A gathering of some of India’s leading veterinary scientists and academic policymakers at the Shalimar campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir on Friday turned into a wider debate on whether the country’s veterinary education system is equipped for the economic and public health challenges India expects to face by 2047.

The two-day national conclave, themed “Reimagining Veterinary Education for Viksit Bharat@2047,” brought together vice chancellors, researchers, policy experts and industry representatives to examine what participants described as widening gaps between conventional veterinary training and emerging demands linked to livestock economics, food safety, biotechnology, climate resilience and public health.

The event is being jointly organised by SKUAST-K, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and the National Academy of Veterinary Sciences.

At the inaugural session, SKUAST-K unveiled its “Action Framework for Reimagining Veterinary Education,” a roadmap proposing reforms in curriculum design, application-oriented research, technology integration and public outreach.

Speaking at the conclave, Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai said veterinary institutions would have to move beyond traditional teaching models and prepare graduates for technology-driven and innovation-oriented systems. He said agriculture and animal husbandry would remain central to India’s developmental vision in the coming decades.

Former BASU Vice Chancellor Dr Rameshwar Singh, GADVASU Vice Chancellor Dr JPS Gill and BASU Vice Chancellor Dr Inderjeet Singh stressed the need for curriculum restructuring, international collaboration and stronger research ecosystems.

Joining virtually from Australia, Dr Victoria Brookes highlighted the growing relevance of interdisciplinary learning and globally aligned academic frameworks in veterinary sciences.

Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry Dr Riaz Ahmad Shah said collaborative reforms and innovation-led learning were necessary to prepare future veterinary professionals.

The conclave also hosted technical sessions on gaps in veterinary education and future planning. Speakers included Dr Bhanu Pratap Chowdhary, Dr Punniya Murthy and Maj Gen Pramod Batra, who discussed global trends in veterinary practice, indigenous knowledge systems and industry expectations.

A panel discussion on industry-academia collaboration focused on skill gaps among veterinary graduates and the changing requirements of the livestock and animal health sectors.

The conclave also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SKUAST-K and Agrinnovate India Limited aimed at strengthening institutional and industry collaboration.