NAGPUR, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said that veterinary practitioners have an important role to play in the country’s economic growth and urged them to expand their vision beyond their conventional responsibilities.
Veterinarians play important role in India’s economic growth: RSS chief BhagwatEmphasizing coexistence, he said, humans, animals and nature must live in harmony and society must think seriously about how to ensure balanced coexistence.
Bhagwat was addressing a national symposium on ‘Role of Canine in One Health: Building Partnerships and Resolving Challenges’ organized by Indian Society for Advancement of Canine Practice and Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University here.
“Earlier, we used to think that we as veterinarians have a limited role to play. But we have to change the way we think and envision a bigger picture and a bigger role for ourselves,” Bhagwat said, adding that veterinarians are not just experts on animals, but important stakeholders in society and contributors to the national economy.
Referring to the recent Supreme Court verdict on stray dogs, he said there was extreme reaction both in support and opposition and suggested that alternative approaches could be explored to resolve the contentious issues.
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In November last year, the Supreme Court, noting an “alarming increase” in dog bite incidents in institutional areas like educational institutions, hospitals and railway stations, ordered the transfer of stray dogs to designated shelters after sterilization and vaccination.
Bhagwat also called for the formation of a separate veterinary council at the national level. “We need experts in this field who will have their own councils and administrative bodies to raise their issues,” he said.
He maintained that progress is made when a field is managed and controlled by domain experts and expressed hope that veterinary professionals would receive the same recognition and autonomy.
Noting that India is an agricultural country, the RSS chief said the veterinary sector plays an important role in supporting farmers and those engaged in animal husbandry, thereby contributing to economic development.
He also underlined environmental concerns at the global level, and said that India could offer alternative solutions rooted in its own thought process to reduce environmental damage in harmony with nature.
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