The Veterinary Association of India (VAI) Marks World Animal Day with a Call for Compassionate, Science-Based Animal Care 

⁠Pashu Sandesh, 05 October 2026

International webinar highlights the scientific basis of animal welfare and the importance of relieving suffering to improve quality of life

By Dr R B Chaudhary

The Veterinary Association of India (VAI) organized an International Webinar and Workshop on 04 October 2026 to commemorate World Animal Day, bringing attention to animal welfare as a shared professional and social responsibility. Held online through Zoom from 6:40 PM to 8:40 PM IST, the programme centred on the theme “Advancing Animal Welfare: Compassion, Care and Quality of Life.”

The event was organized with the support of Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), Vetnet and Mission Rabies, and provided an opportunity for participants to engage with experts through keynote lectures, questions and discussion.

Delivering the first keynote lecture, “Scientific Basis of Animal Welfare,” Prof. (Dr.) Rama Kumar V, Founder Secretary of the Veterinary Council of India, examined the relationship between scientific understanding, compassion and responsible animal care. His presentation highlighted India’s traditions of compassion for living beings and the constitutional recognition of this responsibility. Prof. Rama Kumar is also Former Head, Division of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, SKUAT, Jammu and Kashmir, and Former President of the Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery.

The second keynote speaker, Dr. Anahita Kumar, Clinical Director, WVS Hope ITC, Maharashtra, and WVS Taskforce Manager, India, addressed “Beyond Survival: Recognising and Relieving Animal Suffering to Improve Quality of Life.” Her presentation emphasized recognizing subtle signs of pain and distress, using structured pain and quality-of-life assessments, and combining treatment with nursing care, environmental support and gentle handling. She also discussed chronic disease, palliative care and welfare-centred decision-making, stressing that veterinary care should address both physical comfort and emotional well-being.

Dr. G. S. Bedi, Former Director (Animal Husbandry), Government of Punjab, graced the programme as a distinguished guest.

The event received guidance and support from Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Founder Chairman, VAI and Chief Patron; Dr. Jitendra Singh, President, VAI and Co-Chief Patron; Capt. (Dr.) G. Dhanan Jaya Rao, Secretary General, VAI and Patron; and Col. (Dr.) A. S. Rathore, Chief Advisor, VAI and Co-Patron.

Dr. Radhakrishna Pulikanti, National Convener, VAI and Organizing Secretary, coordinated the programme with Dr. A. K. Srivastava, Senior Scientist, ICAR-IARI, Gogamukh, Assam and Co-Organizing Secretary.

The proceedings were hosted by Prof. (Dr.) M. Kishan Kumar, Director of Extension, PVNRTVU and Vice President, VAI Telangana Chapter, and Dr. V. Vijaya Laxmi, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Veterinary Biologicals Research Institute, Telangana and State Convener, Women Veterinarians Forum, VAI Telangana Chapter.

Dr. R. B. Chaudhary, Retired Assistant Secretary and Chief Editor, Animal Welfare Board of India, Government of India, and Chief Editor of Pashu Mitra Animal Welfare Science Journal, moderated the questions and discussion.

The programme offered 2 Continuous Veterinary Education (CVE) Hours, subject to the prescribed attendance and completion requirements. VAI acknowledged the contributions of its speakers, leadership, organizers, hosts, moderator, collaborators and participants in advancing awareness of compassionate, evidence-based animal care.