Mukteswar 9.12.25: The ICAR–Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Mukteshwar
Campus, celebrated its 136th Foundation Day on 8th December, 2025 with enthusiasm, dignity,
and active community participation. The celebration drew a diverse gathering that included
scientists, technical and administrative staff, research scholars, officers from the Uttarakhand
Animal Husbandry Department, and more than 162 farmers from nearby villages such as Gehna,
Darmoli, Pitholi, Lwesal, Darima, and from the Sitarganj Block, Udham Singh Nagar. The
program was presided over by Dr. Y. P. S. Malik, Joint Director of the Mukteswar Campus. The
Chief Guest for the celebration was Honourable Shri Ramsingh Kaida, MLA of Bhimtal
Assembly Constituency. The occasion was further honored by the presence of Dr. Ramesh
Singh Nitwal, Additional Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of
Uttarakhand, who attended as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished dignitaries included Shri
Deepak Arya, Chairman,Ramgarh Block; Smt. Jyoti Arya, Member of district council and Shri
Ankit Pandey. All guests were warmly welcomed and felicitated by joint director Dr. Y.P.S
Malik.
To commemorate the Foundation Day, several creative and intellectual competitions were
organized for students and participants of Kendriya Vidyalaya IVRI, Mukteswar, Government
Inter College, Mukteswar and Children corner, IVRI Mukteswar which includes rangoli,
drawing, and speech competitions. These activities not only fostered artistic expression but also
encouraged students to engage with the scientific significance of the occasion in an enjoyable
manner. Winners of different competitions across the categories were felicitated with certificates
and awards by the Dr. Y.P.S Malik, Chief Guest, Shri Ramsingh Kaida, and Guest of honour Dr.
Ramesh Singh Nitwal, adding a celebratory spirit to the foundation day event.
On this occasion, Foundation Day lecture was delivered by Dr. Ramesh Nitwal on the theme
“Contribution of ICAR-IVRI to the Livestock health sector.” In his extensive and thoughtful
address, he described the institute’s pivotal contributions to livestock improvement, disease
diagnostics, vaccine development, animal health management, and capacity building. He
highlighted the institute’s long-standing efforts in eradication of Rinderpest through scientific
intervention. The lecture also shed light on the institute’s role in diagnosis and control of various
economical livestock diseases, and institutes support to the local farming community. Dr.Y.P.S
Malik, Chairaman of the program presented an enlightening overview of IVRI’s illustrious journey from its establishment to its current standing as a leading national research institution.
He spoke of the foundational values on which IVRI was built and how generations of scientists
have contributed to strengthening India’s livestock sector. He further elaborated on ongoing
projects, research breakthroughs, and innovative programs aimed at improving animal health,
productivity, disease diagnosis and sustainable farming practices. He emphasized the importance
of deepening collaboration between the institute and farming communities, particularly in
regions such as Uttarakhand where livestock plays a vital socio-economic role. He also extended
heartfelt wishes to the entire IVRI fraternity on the Foundation Day, acknowledging their
commitment and teamwork. The Chief Guest, Honourable MLA Shri Ram Singh Kaida,
delivered an appreciative and encouraging address acknowledging IVRI’s substantial
contributions to animal husbandry and rural development. He praised the researchers and staff for their relentless efforts in enhancing the health and productivity of livestock, thereby
supporting thousands of families dependent on animal rearing. He congratulated everyone on the
successful organization of the Foundation Day and urged continued collaboration between
government bodies and research institutions.
As part of the Foundation Day activities, a highly informative scientific–farmer interface meet
on “Management of Livestock and Poultry in Winter Season” was conducted. This session aimed
to equip farmers with essential knowledge and practical techniques required to protect their
livestock during the harsh winter months—a period when animals are especially vulnerable to
illness, nutritional deficiency, and environmental stress. Veterinary Officers from the
Uttarakhand Animal Husbandry Department—Dr. Pooja Joshi, Dr. Chitra Joshi, Dr. Ayush
Singh, and Dr. Sunil Upadhyay—along with Dr. Madhusoodan A.P, Dr. Amol Gurav, Dr. Nitish
Singh Kharayat, and Dr. Sher Singh, shared valuable scientific insights. They explained the
importance of adequate insulation, proper feeding strategies, supplementation, clean housing,
timely vaccination, parasite management, and routine monitoring during winter to prevent
common ailments like pneumonia and nutritional stress in animals as well as reduced
productivity in poultry. The queries of the farmers regarding management of livestock during
winter, vaccination protocol, management of bloat in animals, repeat breeding etc were adrresed
by the experts. Two progressive farmers Shri Harish Bisht, Nathuwakhan, Nainital and Shri
Prashant Bisht,Supi, Nainital also shared their personal experiences in herbal farming and cattle
rearing. Their stories highlighted the possibilities of blending traditional knowledge with
scientific practices, and their insights served as motivation for other farmers. In recognition of
their contributions and innovative efforts, both farmers were felicitated by the institute.
Under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) schemes, the institute
distributed several inputs to farmers including spades, shovels, hand tools, mineral mixtures,
calcium supplements, and milk cans. These resources were thoughtfully chosen to help farmers
improve their daily livestock management practices. In addition, farmers were provided guided
tours of various livestock units within the institute, such as the poultry demonstration unit,
experimental cattle herd, mushroom production unit, and experimental goat farm. These visits
offered farmers a practical understanding of scientific management, modern housing systems,
feeding protocols, and hygienic practices essential for improving productivity and farm profitability.
The entire Foundation Day programme was coordinated by Dr. Amol Gurav, Dr. Deepika Bisht,
Dr. Nitish Singh Khadayat, and Shri Manish Tomar, whose collaborative efforts ensured the
smooth execution of all activities. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Manish Tomar.
Several other staff members including Dr. Sher Singh, Dr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Madhusoodan A.P,
Dr. Ashutosh, Dr. Siddharth Gautam, Dr Chandra Sekar and Dr. Amir Samal were also present
during the organization of the event.
https://www.ivri.nic.in/News/Foundation%20day_Mukteswar_9122025.pdf
