A National Tribute to Equine Veterinary Excellence: Dr. Sohan Singh Rathore Best Equine Veterinarian Award 2025
On the Occasion of International Horse Day – 11 July 2025
Dr. SOHAN SINGH RATHORE BEST EQUINE VETERINARIAN AWARD – 2025
Instituted by Pashudhan Praharee in collaboration with Veterinary Association of India (VAI) & AgroVet Research & Development Foundation (ARDF)
SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERNATIONAL HORSE DAY & THE AWARD
International Horse Day, observed globally on 11th July, celebrates the invaluable contribution of horses to human civilization—across agriculture, transport, defence, sports, culture, therapy, and rural livelihoods. Horses continue to play a vital role in India through sports, ceremonial duties, working equines, tourism, breeding programs, and socio-economic support to marginal communities.
On this meaningful occasion, Pashudhan Praharee, along with the Veterinary Association of India (VAI), proudly institutes the Dr. Sohan Singh Rathore Best Equine Veterinarian Award – 2025 to recognize the unsung heroes behind equine health and welfare — the equine veterinarians of India.
This award not only honours professional excellence but also reinforces the importance of scientific equine healthcare, ethical veterinary practices, good equestrian management, and animal welfare, aligning with global One Health and One Welfare principles.
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Dr. Sohan Singh Rathore Best Equine Veterinarian Award – 2025 is a prestigious national honour instituted to recognize veterinarians who have made exceptional, sustained, and impactful contributions to equine health, management, welfare, and veterinary excellence in India.
Dr. Sohan Singh Rathore was a towering and inspirational figure in Indian veterinary science, particularly revered for his lifelong dedication to equine veterinary practice. His professional discipline, leadership, ethical values, and field commitment continue to guide generations of veterinarians.
This award, established in his revered memory, seeks to honour veterinarians who embody his ideals of integrity, scientific excellence, compassion, and selfless service, and who have contributed significantly to advancing equine veterinary science and practice in India.
Brief Biodata of Late Dr.Sohan Singh Rathore
- DrSohan Singh Rathore was born on 14 dec 1933 in Kishangarh ( Ajmer) . He joined the first veterinary College of Rajasthan at Bikaner on16th 1954 and graduated in 1958. He then proceeded to USA at Michigan State University to do MS in veterinary surgery. He obtained MS degree in Nov. 1959. Dr. Rathore’s research work on anterior cruciate ligament repair in canine was of high quality original work and became a standard new technique in text book.
- From 1960 he joined the College of veterinary Animal Science – Bikaner in the department of Surgery & Radiology. In Sep. 1965 he went to Holland for Phd in Surgery. Though Holland and India not understanding for scholarship but Dr. Rathore was awarded a scholarship by Dutch govt to do Phd. After completing Phd in 1968, he joined back at Bikaner.
- During the period between 1960 – 65, Camel Surgery and an anesthesiology was done by him extensively. General & local anesthesia was standardised. He practiced new technique, in Mandible fractures in adult camel for which he was awarded gold medal by Indian Veterinary journal. He guided many MVSc Students at Bikaner.
• In 1972 he left Bikaner and joined Veterinary College in Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana as Director of Veterinary clinics. - This was the first time that a separate department of Clinic was established with professional post. It was a golden opportunity to do extensive work for the farmers. Very soon the clinic became very popular and the quality of service was also appreciated by the pet owners and the farmer.
- He also did private canine practice in Delhi 1973-74 and in 1975 joined back to PAU. After establishing Veterinary clinic successfully, he was given the charge of Surgery Department. During this period extensive surgery was done on large animals particularly buffalo’s like uterine torsion, diaphragmatic hernia, urinary bladder rupture etc. New approaches were established.
- Dr. Rathore was member of equestrian federation of India, Royal Western Indian turf club of India, Founder member and President of Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery, president of Rajasthan Equestrian Federation, Chief Vety. Surgeon of Indigenous Horse breeding Society and Marwar horse breeding society. He was very popular among the leading stud farmers of North India, especially Punjab & Haryana.
- He also guided MVSc and PhD students, in Surgery and radiology and was co-advisor to medical faculty Punjab University Chandigarh, written a book on horse breeding and management- “Thoroughbred breeding in India”, published more than 100 articles in journals and consultant in Vanasthali Vidyapith (Varanasi), Modi institute Lakshmangarh and Mayo College Ajmer.
• He retired as dean in 1993 from PAU Ludhiana & settled in Jaipur.
• In 2003 he established veterinary college in Private sector at Vety. College in Private sector in Rajasthan. Dr. Sohan Singh Rathore passed away on 1st Feb 2019.
IMPORTANCE & IMPACT OF THE AWARD
Importance
Brings national recognition to equine veterinary practice, a highly specialized yet under-recognized domain.
Encourages ethical, evidence-based, and welfare-oriented equine healthcare.
Highlights the role of veterinarians in sports, working equines, breeding farms, ceremonial horses, and rural livelihoods.
Preserves and propagates the legacy of Dr. Sohan Singh Rathore for future generations.
Impact
Motivates veterinarians to specialize in equine medicine and surgery.
Promotes good equestrian practices, disease prevention, and humane management.
Strengthens capacity building, training, and research in equine health.
Inspires young veterinarians to pursue career excellence in equine veterinary science.
Creates a national platform for sharing best practices and innovations in equine care.
OBJECTIVES OF THE AWARD
- To recognize excellence and leadership in equine veterinary practice
- To honour veterinarians making significant field-level impact in equine health and welfare.
- To promote scientific, ethical, and innovative approaches in equine veterinary services.
- To inspire young veterinarians towards specialized equine practice.
- To commemorate and uphold the legacy of Dr. Sohan Singh Rathore.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The nominee must:
- Be a qualified veterinarian (BVSc & AH or equivalent).
- Be registered with VCI / State Veterinary Council.
- Be an Indian citizen.
- Be actively engaged in equine veterinary services, including:
Equine clinical practice, surgery & medicine
Sports & working equine health
Breeding & reproduction
Disease prevention & welfare
Research, extension, or training related to equines
- Have minimum 2 years of professional experience in equine-related veterinary work.
NOMINATION PROCESS & CONDITIONS
🔹 Who Can Nominate
Veterinary professionals
Veterinary institutions / colleges
Government departments
Veterinary associations
NGOs / equine organizations
Self-nomination is permitted
🔹 Documents Required
- Duly filled Nomination Form
- Profile of the Nominee (max. 500 words)
- Detailed statement of equine contributions
(1000–1500 words highlighting impact, innovation & outcomes)
- Supporting documents (certificates, publications, photos, testimonials, etc.)
- VCI / State Veterinary Council registration proof
- Recent passport-size photograph
REGISTRATION / NOMINATION FEE
₹500/- (Non-refundable)
🏦 BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS
Account Name: PASHUDHAN PRAHAREE
Bank: IDBI Bank
Account No.: 1131102000001779
IFSC: IBKL0001311
📲 UPI (GPay / PhonePe / Paytm): 8092877290
➡️ Payment proof must be attached with the nomination.
JURY & SELECTION PROCESS
Evaluation by an eminent national jury of senior veterinarians and equine experts
Selection based on:
Professional excellence
Field impact & innovation
Contribution to equine welfare
Ethical standards
Decision of the jury shall be final and binding
TIMELINE – DR. SOHAN SINGH RATHORE BEST EQUINE VETERINARIAN AWARD 2025
📢 Opening of Nominations:
11th July 2025
(On the occasion of International Horse Day)
📨 Last Date for Receiving Nominations:
30th November 2025
📣 Result Declaration:
14th December 2025
🏅 Award Felicitation Ceremony:
16th December 2025
(On the Birth Anniversary of Dr. Sohan Singh Rathore)
Time: 4:00 PM onwards
Venue: Hotel Royal Lalit, Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
✅ All dates are final and binding. The organizing committee reserves the right to make necessary changes, if required, with prior notification.
AWARD COMPONENTS
Award Certificate
Commemorative Trophy
📅 AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY
🗓️ Date: 16th December 2025
🎉 Occasion: Birth Anniversary of Dr. Sohan Singh Rathore
🕔 Time: 4:00 PM onwards
📍 Venue: Hotel Royal Lalit, Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
The award will be conferred during a grand national ceremony attended by eminent veterinarians, academicians, professionals, and dignitaries from across India.
📞 CONTACT DETAILS
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh
Editor-in-Chief, Pashudhan Praharee
📱 94313 09542
📧 pashudhanpraharee@gmail.com
🌐 Websites:
www.pashudhanpraharee.com
