On the occasion of World Veterinary Day 2026, a special programme was held in Hyderabad to highlight the role of veterinarians in keeping food safe and protecting public health. The event was organised by the Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association–Poultry India in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar.
The theme of the event, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” reflected the growing importance of vets not only in animal care but also in ensuring the safety of the food people consume every day.
The programme was attended by several prominent figures, including Vice Chancellor M Gnana Prakash as the chief guest and M Udaya Kumar as the guest of honour. The session was chaired by RMV Prasad.
Speaking at the event, Uday Singh Bayas, president of IPEMA–Poultry India, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and the poultry industry. He highlighted that veterinarians play a crucial role in maintaining food safety and safeguarding public health. He also addressed the widespread misconceptions about poultry consumption and nutrition, urging the need for spreading accurate, science-based information.
As part of the programme, students participated in an elocution competition on the topic “Poultry Products and Lifestyle Diseases: Myths, Facts, and Veterinary Insights.” The initiative encouraged students to think critically and raise awareness based on scientific facts, and winners were recognised during the event.
The technical sessions featured talks by experts such as Mujeeb Ather and Srinivas Rama Raju, who spoke about career opportunities in the poultry sector, entrepreneurship, and new developments in the industry. Their insights aimed to guide students and inspire them to explore diverse career paths within veterinary science.
The event highlighted the expanding role of veterinarians beyond animal healthcare, showing how they contribute directly to food safety, public well-being, and the growth of the poultry sector, while also encouraging the next generation of professionals to take up opportunities in this field.