The Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Anilmal Sciences (RAGACOVAS) here was renamed as Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER) at a function held here on Monday.
The board bearing the new name of the college was unveiled by Velmurugan, chairman, Pondicherry Veterinary College Society.
Addressing the gathering, Velmurugan expressed his hopes that the college would emerge as an institution par excellence in rendering veterinary health care education.
Professor Ramadass, director of Studies Educational Innovation, Rural Reconstruction (SEI & RR) of Pondicherry University, also addressed the gathering here and released the first issue of the institute’s newsletter.
Professor Ramadass stressed that the benefits of research should reach the common man.
Ramadass said that the Pondicherry University would assist the institute in every possible way to promote its research.
Ramadass added that the contribution of animal husbandry to the State Domestic Product was only 2-3 per cent in comparison with fisheries and agriculture sectors, which contribute 6-8 and 7 per cent respectively.
Ramadass said that the institute should take steps to augment production of milk, meat and other dairy products.
Ramadass stressed on the importance of ‘an all-inclusive growth’ and asked the animal husbandry sector to find innovative ways to generate employment.
T Karikalan, additional secretary (finance) and director of higher and technical education government of Puducherry, launched the first of its kind ‘Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) Program’ under the aegis of the department of science and technology, New Delhi, in the college.
A grant of `65 lakh has been released for infrastructure development of the college, including strengthening of the college library, campus networking and purchase equipment necessary for research works.
Speaking on the occasion, dean Dr S Thilagar elaborated on the importance of the events of the day and highlighted the achievements of the college.
Thilagar suggested that the faculty send more proposals to external agencies for obtaining research grants.