On the 11th and 12th of April 2026, the prestigious Nagpur Veterinary College (under MAFSU University) hosted the 2nd National Veterinary, Dairy, and Fisheries Symposium 2026. The central theme of this grand event was the "Integrated One Health Approach." We are incredibly proud to share that a delegation of five students and one faculty member represented the International Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (IIVER) at this national-level gathering.
Before diving into our incredible learnings, we must extend our deepest gratitude to the IIVER administration. Our college fully sponsored this academic trip, covering train travel, registration fees, accommodation, and food. It is this constant support and encouragement from IIVER that empowers students to step out of the classroom, gain immense national exposure, and envision ourselves as future leaders in the veterinary sector.
A Cultural Start in the Orange City
We arrived in Nagpur a day early to soak in the local culture. Our day began with a visit to the historic Deekshabhoomi Stupa, followed by seeking blessings at the renowned Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi. Exploring the vibrant local markets not only gave us a taste of Nagpur but also acted as a great bonding experience for our team before the rigorous academic sessions began.
Networking, Cultural Exchange, and Hospitality
The symposium was a dynamic center of innovation. The exhibition area was filled with stalls from leading pharmaceutical companies, fisheries, dairy innovators, and giants like Amul, who were the primary sponsors.
Beyond the exhibits, the core value of this symposium lay in the connections we made. We had the unique privilege of engaging in detailed, one-on-one interactions with students from various veterinary colleges across India, exchanging notes on our respective academic journeys. Moreover, we got to speak directly with Heads of Departments (HODs) and senior scientists. Having the chance to ask them subtle questions about ongoing research, clinical challenges, and future industry trends bridged the gap between our classroom theories and real-world applications.
The event's hospitality was equally remarkable. We were treated to scrumptious meals three times a day, which fueled our active participation and kept our spirits high. Adding to the vibrance of the academic schedule, the host colleges organized a beautiful cultural program in the evening. It was a spectacular showcase of the diverse talents within the veterinary community and gave everyone a wonderful chance to unwind and celebrate together.
The overwhelming message from the networking sessions and almost every speaker was clear: Veterinary students must pivot towards entrepreneurship. The current trend demands that we become "Naukri dene wale, not lene wale" (Job creators, not job seekers).
Key Takeaways from the Visionaries
The speaker sessions were deeply insightful, bridging the gap between policy, science, and business. Here are the highlights:
- Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel Ji (Union Minister of State MoFAH&D, GOI):Addressing major environmental challenges, the Minister discussed water scarcity, climate change, and the economic burden of male cattle offspring on farmers. He highlighted the revolutionary impact of sex-sorted semen, which increases the probability of female offspring to 90%. Sharing that countries like New Zealand and Australia use 100% IVF in cattle, he urged India to adopt such technologies. He also celebrated the growth of fishery exports (increasing from 14% to 25% share) and the nation's mission towards an FMD-free India. Importantly, he advised everyone to secure their futures with government insurance schemes like PMSBY (₹20/year for accidents) and PMJJBY (₹436/year for life).
- Dr. Umesh Sharma (Chairman, Veterinary Council of India, New Delhi):Dr. Sharma laid out a massive vision for the Indian dairy sector, aiming for a staggering ₹12-13 Lakh Crore valuation, which would contribute to 5-6% of the national GDP.
- Dr. B.K. Behera (Chief Executive Director, NFDB, Hyderabad):An alumnus of OUAT Bhubaneswar and ICAR-CIFE Mumbai, Dr. Behera was a strong advocate for entrepreneurship. He shared an inspiring case study of two students from Mangalore who started a hatchery and seed production startup, achieving a ₹5 Crore turnover and generating 60 jobs. He outlined funding opportunities from the NFDB, including an entrepreneur model project offering up to ₹5 Crore, and the FIDF scheme providing loans with a 6% interest subvention and no capping. He also announced an upcoming meetup for 100 student startups and shared that ₹20 Crore has been approved for research in the last six months alone.
- Dr. Manish Fate (National Convenor, Agrivision):Representing Agrivision, a student association established in 2015, Dr. Fate discussed their impact on national policy. Out of 19 policy recommendations submitted by them, 12 were sanctioned immediately. He also mentioned key initiatives led by student members, including the SEIL project integrating 600 students from the North East, and the management of the Mahakumbh by 67 Agrivision volunteers.
- Shri Devdatt Joshi (National Joint Organizing Secretary, ABVP):Shri Joshi focused on student welfare and engagement. He highlighted the SEIL project bridging the North East with the rest of India, the "Chalo Campus" campaign to improve attendance, and the highly relevant "Screen Time to Activity Time" initiative to promote physical well-being among youth.
- Dr. Dhiraj Mankari (Founder, Jeevan Kisan Agro Association, Nagpur):A testament to sustainable self-employment, Dr. Mankari spoke about small animal breeding systems. He shared his journey of providing superior genetics to farmers at their doorstep, establishing himself as a solo seller and pioneer in this niche.
- Mr. Abhijeet Naohate (Founder & CEO, Corel Lifecare Pvt. Ltd., Thane):Recognized as one of India's best sales professionals, Mr. Naohate shared his 3-year journey with Corel, boasting global partners like EnviroZyme. Standing out as a pioneer for aquaculture in Shark Tank India, his session was incredibly inspiring. He broke down the roadmap of how to start a business, deeply motivating us to explore the startup ecosystem.
IIVER Academic Excellence: Poster Presentations
Beyond attending the sessions, our delegation actively contributed to the scientific discourse of the symposium. Three students and our faculty member participated in the competitive scientific poster session, presenting research related to the dairy sector and integrated veterinary practices. The posters covered a wide range of critical topics, including innovative dairy product development, disease management in fisheries, and the implementation of One Health strategies in local farming communities.
These presentations provided a platform for us to showcase the rigorous scientific training we receive at IIVER. It was an opportunity to engage with senior scientists and subject matter experts who provided valuable feedback on our methodologies and findings.
We are thrilled to announce that Chandra Sekhar Gudla, a 4th-year student at IIVER, was awarded the 1st Prize for Poster Presentation. His research was highly commended by the panel of judges for its innovation, technical depth, and direct relevance to current trends in the dairy sector. Winning this prestigious award at a national-level symposium is a proud moment for our institute; it underscores the high standard of academic excellence at IIVER and our commitment to contributing meaningful research to the veterinary community.
Conclusion
The 2nd National Veterinary, Dairy, and Fisheries Symposium was more than just an academic conference; it was an entrepreneurial bootcamp for the One Health sector. We return to the IIVER campus not just with certificates and awards, but with a renewed mindset to innovate, build, and lead.
Once again, a huge thank you to the IIVER management for making this transformative journey possible. We highly encourage our fellow students to seize such opportunities in the future!
