The theme for World Veterinary Day-2023 is ‘Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession’. The World Veterinary Day was first celebrated on April 29, 2000 as an initiative by the World Veterinary Association (WVA).
Since then, it has been observed every year on the last Saturday of April, with a different theme chosen each year to highlight a specific aspect of veterinary science.
Diversity is the hallmark of Veterinary Profession as Vets deal with a variety of animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, etc. Veterinary Professionals play different roles; be it as clinicians, administrators, public health experts, researchers, teachers, trainers, extension agents of schemes and perform other assignments too whenever asked for.
Diversity vis-a-vis talents, thoughts, opinions and viewpoints is important not only for healthy debates and discussions but also for progress of any profession, and needs to be promoted. Essence of equity is to provide equal opportunities to all and is fundamental to any organisation including Veterinary Profession. Inclusiveness demands that all members of a profession should feel that they are valued and included.
Equity and inclusiveness need promotion not only vis-a-vis Veterinarians but down the line too. Though Vets act as supervisors, the role of para-vets, attendants and other staff members too is important in execution and implementation of different assignments and tasks. They too need to be taken on-board and should feel included for better outcomes.
The well-being of all Veterinarians whether studying or working in Colleges or the Departments is enhanced when diversity, equity and inclusion is promoted as well as applied. The Veterinary Associations have an important role to play in this whether Student Association, Departmental or University Scientists Association.
The World Veterinary Day is the day for the Veterinarians to celebrate whether in Colleges or within the Department. The day is observed by conducting seminars, essay writing competitions, workshops, clinical camps, vaccination drives, awareness camps, issuing advisories and newsletters and so on.
Dr. Zubair Ahmad War is a Veterinarian and the views expressed are personal.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author.
The facts, analysis, assumptions and perspective appearing in the article do not reflect the views of GK.