Shri Devendra Kumar Singh IAS, Vice-Chancellor, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University,

Prof (Dr.) Joseph Mathew, Registrar,

Prof. (Dr.) P. Sudheer Babu, Dean, Faculty of Dairy Science,

Prof. (Dr.) C. Latha, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,

Prof. (Dr.) K.M. Syam Mohan, Finance Officer,

Dr. M.K. Narayanan, Director of Entrepreneurship,

Respected Teachers, My dear Students, Staff,

Madhyama Suhruthukkale,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmare

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.

       I am very happy to launch the Technology Incubation Project and to inaugurate Gothra, the Training and Empowerment Project for the Tribal Youth of Wayanad.

Let me at the outset, congratulate all the meritorious and outstanding Scientists and Students, whose notable achievements have been recognized in this function. I also compliment the authors of the three books which have been released today.

Undoubtedly, all these achievements point to the dedication with which the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University has been performing its role in teaching, research and extension. Let me place on record my deep sense of appreciation for these sincere efforts of the university community. It is this sense of togetherness that has enabled this institution to win the Chancellor's Award for the best emerging young university twice.

As we all know,Education is the greatest driver of social change all over the world and it is vital for economic development and nation building. Education is a long term investment for better levels of democratic governance, social cohesion, innovation and for ensuring equity and justice. Our universities have an obligation to create, select and adapt knowledge for the benefit of society.  Therefore, the efforts of the various departments and colleges under this University to incubate economically feasible projects by identifying and equipping entrepreneurs through skill training, deserve to be encouraged.

While encouraging incubation, we should remember that our new entrepreneurs are dealing with the primary sector, which is still reluctant to adapt to new changes. Any new entrepreneurial venture will have to be in touch with ordinary farmers, who need to be convinced about how the venture would benefit them. I hope the Directorate of Entrepreneurship which has devised the Technology Business Incubation Center [TBIC], would keep this in mind while promoting entrepreneurship in dairy, veterinary, food and animal husbandry sector. Our experts should ensure constant monitoring so that communication gaps do not hamper their relations with farmers.  Besides, our researchers should be true friends and guides to the young entrepreneurs.

I am informed that entrepreneurs of different educational backgrounds are joining the incubation centre and that the activities are currently limited to Mannuthy and Pookode. I hope in the coming years, this would be extended to the other centres of the university.  The decision to register a startup company for intelligent farming solutions is also laudable, since we do not see adequate number of agri-ventures in our start up scenario.

Going beyond the twin responsibility of providing instruction and conducting research, every university has to empower the community in which operates. I feel that the GOTHRA project which seeks to empower the tribal youth who were trained in various alternate income generating activities of the university, is a major step in this direction.  I am happy that this scheme considers even school drop-outs for training in Livestock and poultry, Integrated vegetable cultivation, mushroom farming and carpentry etc. I am certain that the formation of a GOTHRA tribal co-operative under the guidance of the university would provide enormous support to our tribal youth.  I would rate this initiative as a noble gesture of the university in reaching out to the grassroots level, thereby affirming that the knowledge we generate ultimately belongs to the people of all levels.

I am happy that an exhibition of technologies developed and achievements of the University has also been arranged so that the people may get an idea about the services offered by the university. It is through such programmes that a people-friendly image of the university is created in society.

The Scientists, Staff and Labourers who have completed more than 30 years of service have been honoured today.  So are the researchers who have made considerable impact through their scholastic achievements.  While conveying my best wishes to them, I wish to mention that some of the research topics have the potential to usher in great changes in society.  For instance, the bio-preservative that enhances shelf life of meat, the Aerobic composting model, the equipment to reduce temperature for Cows in cattle shed,  the technology to produce bio-diesel from broiler chicken  waste etc., are certainly worthy of being promoted on a large scale due to their possible impact.  However, let me assert that my mentioning of a few research works does in no way belittle the impact of other studies.

I have been told that among those felicitated today, is a researcher named Kum. Monisha V., who  is the first from the families under the Pookode Tribal Welfare Dairy Project to be a student of this university and the first to be selected under the Woman Scientist Scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. I wish her all the best and hope she would inspire many more students from the tribal areas to pursue research.

Let me conclude by wishing this university all success in rising to global levels, with roots embedded in the primary sector and the wealth of knowledge spreading globally, fostering world class research and entrepreneurial dynamism.  I also hope the students would make it their mission to interact more with the farming communities so that their research work will have greater impact in society.

I also compliment the university authorities for conducting this function in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind

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