Update on World Veterinary Day JBF(INDIA) Guwahati Chapter celebrated World Veterinary Day on the premise of JBF Animal Relief Centre at 4, Chandan Nagar, Survey, Beltola, Guwahati, Assam on Sunday, on 27th April 2008 with a day long program. On the occasion, a drawing competition amongst children, a free health check-up camp and an open forum discussion were held. The Drawing Competition was held amongst the students of Basundara Kala Niketan, Beltola, Guwahati under the kind patronage of renowned artist Sjt Neelpawan Baruah. Eighty numbers of students in three levels joined in the competition. The central theme of art competition was Untold sufferings of animals and their welfare. Prizes were distributed among the first three participants of three different levels. Certificates from JBFs side will be provided to all participants in due course of time. Drawings were displayed at JBF Animal Relief Centre premises for public. Free Health Check-up for Animals was also conducted on the occasion where a good number of animals were treated and medicines were distributed free of cost. Open Forum Discussion on Contribution of Veterinarians towards Animal Welfare scope and constraints is also carried out from 16.00hrs to 18.00hrs. The participants highlighted the contributions of veterinarians towards Animal Welfare. The discussion forum observed that veterinarians contributed to every field of human welfare by contributing towards animal welfare starting from Research and Development work to defence service of the nation. The forum suggested that awareness building measures on animal welfare amongst the masses should be taken up seriously. On mention about the Homeless (stray and street) dog menace, the forum suggested that a survey should be conducted on the homeless dogs of Guwahati city and their population control measure should be taken up seriously to manage public health menace of rabies. The forum opined that animal welfare is the responsibility of each and every citizen for the greater welfare of the society. People from all walk of life including bureaucrats, social activist, faculty members of veterinary college, veterinary scholars, field practitioners, company personals participated on the occasion. It is worthwhile to mention that World Veterinary Day was instigated by the World Veterinary Association in 2000 to be celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April worldwide in recognition of service of veterinarians to the society. It is a day for the veterinarians to commit to the veterinary service so as to promote development around the world and also to protect the world against the spread and the re-emergence of animal diseases and zoonoses. Dr. Sashanka Managing Trustee - JBF(INDIA)
