News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Community Dr. Ravi Murarka’s Jaipur & Mumbai Visit Advances Veterinary Education, Public Health, and Global Collaboration J aipur – Mumbai | December 2025 -Dr. Ravi Murarka, President of the Ameri- can Association of Veterinarians of Indian Origin (AAVIO) and President of PARAM – Philadelphia Rajasthan Mandal, concluded a highly impactful professional and community-focused visit to Jaipur and Mumbai, strengthening veterinary education, public health initia- tives, and international collaboration. Jaipur Highlights During his Jaipur visit, Dr. Murarka: • Met with the Hon’ble Chief Min- ister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajanlal Sharma ji, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Rajmata Diya Kumari ji, and several cabinet ministers dur- ing Pravasi Rajasthan Divas (PRD). • Personally invited Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma ji and Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Rajmata Diya Kumari ji to attend the 19th Bharatiya Temple Gangaur Festival, scheduled to be held in Philadelphia on March 14, 2026. • Held discussions with senior government secretaries and uni- versity authorities on advancing veterinary education, interna- tional exposure, and placement opportunities for Indian veterinar- ians, including a meeting with the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries & Gopalan, and the Managing Director, Rajas- than Skill and Livelihood Develop- ment Corporation, Government of Rajasthan, Dr. Samit Sharma. • Conducted hands-on wet lab training and advanced clinical ses- sions for veterinarians in collabo- ration with SAVA Rajasthan. • The wet lab was facilitated and hosted by Dr. Chawla’s Pet Hospi- tal, Jaipur, with critical logistical and technical support fromMr. Gagrin Singh of Global Technology Solutions, Janakpuri, New Delhi, who coordinated the transporta- tion and setup of dental stations, anesthesia machines, and other advanced veterinary instruments from New Delhi. • Visited the Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education & Research (PGIVER), Jaipur, in- teracting with faculty and students and delivering a keynote lecture on global opportunities in veterinary medicine. • Actively participated in Mis- sion Rabies Jaipur, a major public health initiative supported by Shri Anil Agarwal ji of the Vedanta Group, highlighting the impor- tance of public–private partner- ships in disease prevention. • As per discussions with multiple veterinary university authorities and animal welfare stakeholders, proposed the development of a Jaipur-based pilot project focused on mass sterilization and vaccina- tion of stray dogs. This collabora- tive initiative aims to effectively control the stray dog population while simultaneously providing structured, hands-on surgical training for final-year veterinary students. The project envisions close coordination among vet- erinary universities, government departments, municipal bodies, and animal welfare organizations. Upon successful implementation in Jaipur, the model is intended to be replicated across other cities in India, while also paving the way for the formal introduction of Shelter Medicine programs in veterinary universities, aligned with established practices in the United States. Legal & Public Health Context – Su- preme Court of India In late 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India took suo moto cognizance of the growing public health concerns re- lated to dog bites across the country. The Court emphasized the need for coordi- nated action by State governments to bal- ance citizens’ right to safety under Article 21 of the Constitution with established animal welfare principles. Key directions highlighted the removal of stray dogs from sensitive public areas such as schools, hospitals, and transport hubs; the imple- mentation of systematic sterilization and vaccination programs; and the develop- ment of appropriate sheltering and man- agement mechanisms. These proceedings have prompted ongoing hearings focused on implementation, compliance, and humane, science-based solutions. In alignment with this evolving na- tional legal and public health framework, AAVIO’s proposed Jaipur sterilization and vaccination pilot project seeks to offer a practical, collaborative, and humane model that supports effective stray dog population management, rabies preven- tion, and advanced hands-on training for future veterinarians. Rabies Awareness & School Outreach Initiative During his meeting with the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Murarka formally requested permission to extend Mission Rabies Jaipur’s outreach into schools across Rajasthan, with the objective of: • Educating children about rabies prevention • Teaching safe behavior around animals • Creating awareness on post- bite care and immediate medical response, which can save lives. This initiative aims to empower young students with life-saving knowledge and significantly reduce rabies-related risks across the state. Mumbai Highlights In Mumbai, Dr. Murarka: • Participated in academic and professional programs at Maha- rashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU). • Attended the Pet Practitioners Association of Mumbai (PPAM) – Meet the Industry (MI-16) event, including the inauguration of the veterinary exhibition. • Interacted with private prac- titioners, industry leaders, and academic experts. • Reconnected with former class- mates and colleagues, strengthen- ing long-standing professional relationships. Speaking about the visit, Dr. Murarka said: “With over 20 years of experience in rescue operations and shelter medicine as a Medical Director at the Pennsylvania So- ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ani- mals (PSPCA), I have seen firsthand how coordinated, humane, and science-based approaches can simultaneously protect public safety, improve animal welfare, and strengthen veterinary training. India’s veterinary profession holds immense promise. Through close collaboration between government authorities, veteri- nary universities, private practitioners, animal welfare organizations, and the global Indian veterinary diaspora, we can elevate clinical training, strengthen public health initiatives such as rabies control and humane population management, and create sustainable, globally aligned opportunities for future veterinarians.” Commitment Both AAVIO and PARAM reaffirm their commitment to: AAVIO • Strengthening veterinary education and clinical excellence through global knowledge ex- change • Supporting public health initia- tives, including rabies prevention, humane population control, and shelter medicine development • Building enduring bridges be- tween India and the global Indian and Rajasthani veterinary com- munity. PARAM – Philadelphia Rajasthan Mandal • Supporting animal welfare and public health initiatives in Rajast- han beyond cultural engagement • Facilitating collaboration between government bodies, aca- demic institutions, animal welfare organizations, and the Indian diaspora • Assisting in capacity building, skill development, and community outreach programs related to vet- erinary science and public health • Promoting sustainable, humane solutions that align education, livelihoods, and animal welfare objectives. • Building enduring bridges be- tween India and the global Indian and Rajasthani veterinary com- munity. Press Release Meeting with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Mission rabies Ribbon cutting ceremony at PPAM event News India Times (December 20, 2025 - December 26, 2025) December 26, 2025 15