Decisions in every field should be taken by experts in that field: Mohan Bhagwat!

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday advocated the formation of a separate and powerful Veterinary Council. He said that decisions related to animals and public safety should be taken only under the guidance of veterinary doctors and subject experts.

Bhagwat was speaking as the chief guest at the 22nd annual convention of the Indian Society for Advancement of Canine Practice (ISACP) and national symposium on ‘Role of Canines in One Health: Building Partnerships and Resolving Challenges’ in Nagpur.

It was jointly organized by ISACP, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Nagpur and National Association for Welfare of Animals and Research (NAWAR).

At the beginning of his address, Bhagwat said, “I have studied in this college. Although it has been 50 years since I left the veterinary field. It is not that I do not remember anything, but I do not have as much knowledge as you guys. Still, as an alumnus, I am grateful for you calling me.”

He said that an agriculture-based country like India continued to benefit as long as the farmers continued to do animal husbandry and fisheries along with farming. Describing the thinking that the scope of veterinary profession is limited, Mohan Bhagwat said, “Earlier it was believed that the role of veterinary doctors is limited, but this thinking is not correct. They can play a big role in society, public health and policy making.”

Referring to the recent controversy over abandoned dogs in Delhi, Bhagwat said the debate was divided into two extremes, “One side was saying kill all the dogs, the other was saying don’t even touch them. But if humans have to live with dogs, then they have to think how to live together.”

Emphasizing on scientific and practical solutions, he said, “The dog population can be controlled through sterilization. There are many ways to reduce the risk to humans. These are solutions based on knowledge, not emotions.” Bhagwat said his ideas were influenced by his veterinary background.

Seeking institutional reforms, Bhagwat clearly said, “There should be a separate veterinary council. I strongly believe that this is necessary. Decisions related to animals should be in the hands of only those who understand the subject.” Giving an example, he said that just as decisions in sports are taken by people from the sports field, similarly decisions in every field should be taken by experts in the same field.