Beyond Survival: VAI Webinar Puts Animal Quality of Life in Focus
World Animal Day programme connects the science of welfare with practical approaches to compassionate veterinary care
Recognising pain, reducing distress and helping animals live comfortably formed the central focus of the Veterinary Association of India’s (VAI) International Webinar and Workshop held on 04 October 2026, marking World Animal Day.
Conducted through Zoom from 6:40 PM to 8:40 PM IST, the programme explored “Advancing Animal Welfare: Compassion, Care and Quality of Life,” with support from Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), Vetnet and Mission Rabies.
Practical challenges in identifying and relieving animal suffering featured prominently in the keynote by Dr. Anahita Kumar, Clinical Director, WVS Hope ITC, Maharashtra, and WVS Taskforce Manager, India. Speaking on “Beyond Survival: Recognising and Relieving Animal Suffering to Improve Quality of Life,” she explained how changes in behaviour, mobility, appetite and interaction can help reveal pain and distress.
Her presentation outlined the value of structured assessments, gentle handling, supportive environments and coordinated treatment and nursing care. Chronic illness, palliative care and decisions guided by an animal’s comfort and well-being were also addressed.
Providing the scientific and ethical context, Prof. (Dr.) Rama Kumar V, Founder Secretary of the Veterinary Council of India, delivered the first keynote, “Scientific Basis of Animal Welfare.” He examined the connection between scientific knowledge and compassionate care, drawing attention to India’s traditions of concern for living beings and the constitutional recognition of this responsibility. His distinguished career includes service as Former Head, Division of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, SKUAT, Jammu and Kashmir, and Former President of the Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery.
The keynote sessions were followed by questions and discussion moderated by Dr. R. B. Chaudhary, Retired Assistant Secretary and Chief Editor, Animal Welfare Board of India, Government of India, and Chief Editor of Pashu Mitra Animal Welfare Science Journal. Dr. G. S. Bedi, Former Director (Animal Husbandry), Government of Punjab, attended as a distinguished guest.
Dr. Radhakrishna Pulikanti, National Convener, VAI, served as Organizing Secretary, coordinating the event with Dr. A. K. Srivastava, Senior Scientist, ICAR-IARI, Gogamukh, Assam, as Co-Organizing Secretary.
Hosting the proceedings were Prof. (Dr.) M. Kishan Kumar, Director of Extension, PVNRTVU and Vice President, VAI Telangana Chapter, and Dr. V. Vijaya Laxmi, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Veterinary Biologicals Research Institute, Telangana and State Convener, Women Veterinarians Forum, VAI Telangana Chapter.
The organizing leadership comprised Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Founder Chairman, VAI and Chief Patron; Dr. Jitendra Singh, President, VAI and Co-Chief Patron; Capt. (Dr.) G. Dhanan Jaya Rao, Secretary General, VAI and Patron; and Col. (Dr.) A. S. Rathore, Chief Advisor, VAI and Co-Patron.
Offering 2 Continuous Veterinary Education (CVE) Hours, subject to prescribed attendance and completion requirements, the programme brought scientific principles and everyday clinical care into a common discussion about animal welfare. VAI thanked the contributors, collaborating organizations and participants for supporting the initiative.
