Lucknow: Recalling the institute’s role in making vaccines for lumpy skin disease in cattle during Covid, CM Yogi Adityanath on Monday lauded the researchers of Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) for their efforts to link science with compassion.Addressing the 11th convocation of the institute, along with President Droupadi Murmu and Governor Anandiben Patel, Yogi encouraged students to work towards realising the goal of PM Narendra Modi‘s Viksit Bharat.He called the institution’s 136-year journey a source of inspiration for the entire nation, saying, “Scientists like you become the voice of the voiceless beings who cannot speak for themselves. Your research and service give a new direction to society.”He also recalled IVRI’s role during the pandemic, where the organisation carried out over 2 lakh RT-PCR tests in collaboration with the state govt. The institute’s role was not limited to veterinary science but was also a front-runner in saving human lives, he said.“Even our gaushala in Gorakhpur was affected. When scientists proposed testing the vaccine, I immediately contacted the then Union minister Parshottam Rupala to obtain approval, and the vaccine developed by IVRI successfully eliminated lumpy disease from the state. I thank the scientists for their service to voiceless animals. By providing improved livestock breeds, you have empowered the farmers,” he said.Stating that Bareilly was rich in mythological and spiritual heritage, Yogi said the city was home to 7 ancient temples of Lord Shiva, which are now being developed into the ‘Nath Corridor’. Temples like Baba Alakhnath, Vankhandi Nath, Trivati Nath, Tapeshwar Nath, Madhi Nath, Dhopeshwar Nath, and Shri Pashupatinath are key identities of Bareilly. He added that while these temples gave the city spiritual identity, IVRI provided it with a modern scientific stature. “Today marks a new chapter in your lives. This degree is not just an academic milestone but a pledge to serve society,” he told graduating students.
