21/07/2026
Ethno-veterinary medicine is the traditional knowledge and practice of preventing and treating animal diseases using locally available medicinal plants, natural products, and indigenous techniques. Developed through generations of farmers and pastoral communities, it provides affordable, culturally acceptable, and sustainable healthcare for livestock while complementing modern veterinary medicine and supporting biodiversity conservation.
Dr.N.Punniamurthy, retired Professor of Pharmacology at the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chennai, has made exceptional contributions to the field of ethnoveterinary medicine through over three decades of dedicated research and extension activities. His pioneering work has enabled thousands of livestock farmers across India to adopt safe, cost-effective, and sustainable animal healthcare practices based on indigenous knowledge. Dr.Punniamurthy also served as a respected teacher and mentor to several members of the Hurricane Vets Charitable Trust (HVCT). In recognition of his outstanding research achievements, lifelong service to livestock health, and remarkable outreach among farming communities, the Government of India conferred upon him the prestigious Padma Shri Award in the field of Medicine in 2026.
The conferment of the Padma Shri upon Dr.N.Punniamurthy is a moment of immense pride for the veterinary profession, his former students, and researchers engaged in ethnoveterinary medicine. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, the Hurricane Vets Charitable Trust (HVCT), Chennai, approved Project No.166 and organized a felicitation function on 17.07.2026 at the Veterinary College and Research Institute (VCRI), Namakkal, where he served with distinction for 13 years as a teacher and researcher. Following the felicitation ceremony, Dr.Punniamurthy delivered a special lecture on Ethnoveterinary Medicine, inspiring students with his vast experience, research contributions, and vision for sustainable livestock healthcare.
The felicitation programme was jointly organized by the Hurricane Vets Charitable Trust (HVCT), Chennai, and the Veterinary College and Research Institute (VCRI), Namakkal, at the Alumni Auditorium of VCRI. The programme commenced with a vibrant cultural performance presented by the students of the Cultural Club, staff members of the Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, and Dr.Devaraju from Erode, adding a festive and memorable beginning to the felicitation ceremony.
Dr.D.Anandha Prakash Singh, Vice-President, Staff Club, VCRI, Namakkal, delivered the welcome address and greeted the distinguished gathering. Dr.P.Mekala, Professor, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, VCRI, Namakkal, presented an overview of the remarkable achievements and lifelong contributions of Padma Shri Dr.N.Punniamurthy to ethnoveterinary medicine and also coordinated the stage proceedings. The programme featured a ceremonial felicitation of Padma Shri Dr.N.Punniamurthy by the faculty members and staff of VCRI, Namakkal, in recognition of his outstanding service to veterinary science. Subsequently, Dr.S.Vigil Anbiah, Secretary, HVCT, and Dr.C.Theophilus Anand Kumar, Executive Committee Member, HVCT, felicitated Padma Shri Dr. N. Punniamurthy on behalf of the Hurricane Vets Charitable Trust, expressing their admiration for his exemplary achievements and lasting contributions to the veterinary profession.
In his presidential address, Dr.M.Selvaraju, Dean and President, Staff Club, VCRI, Namakkal, lauded the outstanding achievements of Padma Shri Dr.N.Punniamurthy, highlighting his humility, perseverance, and commitment to research. He fondly recollected his early association with Dr. Punniamurthy and appreciated his resilience in overcoming challenges throughout his distinguished career.
In his response, Padma Shri Dr.N.Punniamurthy expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), the Veterinary College and Research Institute (VCRI), Namakkal, and the Hurricane Vets Charitable Trust (HVCT), Chennai, for organizing the memorable felicitation programme. He shared his journey of working closely with livestock farmers, research institutions, and international collaborators, highlighting the milestones that culminated in receiving the Padma Shri Award in Medicine for 2026. He emphasized that the honour was a significant recognition of traditional ethnoveterinary medicine and its relevance to the World Health Organization's One Health approach, encouraging young veterinarians to pursue research rooted in indigenous knowledge and sustainable animal healthcare.
Dr.C.Kathiravan, General Secretary, Staff Club, VCRI, Namakkal, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, organizers, faculty members, students, and participants for contributing to the success of the programme.
Following lunch, Padma Shri Dr.N.Punniamurthy delivered a thought-provoking special lecture on “Sustaining India’s Dairy (Livestock): An Ecosystem-Based Approach for One Health Resilience.” The lecture highlighted the integration of Ethnoveterinary Medicine (EVM) with modern veterinary science through the One Health framework to promote sustainable livestock production.
In his lecture, Dr.Punniamurthy elaborated on the challenges encountered throughout the dairy value chain, including issues related to farmers, animal health, milk quality, transportation, marketing, and consumer safety. He underscored the importance of maintaining healthy soils, conserving biodiversity, preserving beneficial microbial ecosystems, and adopting nature-positive agricultural practices to ensure long-term livestock productivity. Emphasizing organic farming, livestock–crop integration, and ecosystem conservation, he demonstrated how traditional knowledge can complement scientific innovations. He concluded by inspiring the audience with the message that veterinarians are not only caretakers of animal health but also custodians of food safety, public health, and environmental sustainability, playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and strengthening One Health resilience.
The organizers gratefully acknowledge the Registrar, TANUVAS, for granting permission to conduct this programme. Sincere thanks are extended to Dr.M.Selvaraju, Dean, VCRI, Namakkal, for his valuable guidance and encouragement.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to Padma Shri Dr.N.Punniamurthy for graciously accepting our invitation to participate in the programme. We are deeply grateful for his inspiring special lecture delivered to the students of VCRI, Namakkal, and for generously sharing his invaluable research experience and insights, which greatly enriched the learning experience of the participants.
The exemplary co-ordination of Dr.G.Selvaraju, Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, VCRI, with the Hurricane Vets Charitable Trust ensured the smooth ex*****on of the event. Dr.P.Mekala and the student volunteers deserve appreciation for their professional stage management. The reception committee's attractive Rangoli depicting the Ethno-veterinary Medicine concept and the Cultural Club's performances added grandeur to the occasion. Gratitude is also extended to Dr.S.Vigil Anbiah, Secretary, HVCT, for co-ordinating the programme, and to Dr.P.Muthusamy, Treasurer, HVCT, Dr. C. Theophilus Anand Kumar, Dr.C.V.Shivakumar, EC Members, HVCT, Dr.P.Vasan, Member, HVCT, Mrs. D. Jasmine Rajini, and Mrs. Jeyabobby, HVCT Associates for their valuable support and active participation.
We express our sincere gratitude to the sponsors for their generous support in making the programme a grand success. Special thanks are extended to Dr.A.Varun, Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Production and Management, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry; Namakkal Broilers, Chidambaram and Sai Enterprisei, Chennai, for their valuable financial contributions and encouragement towards organizing this memorable event.
The organizers gratefully acknowledge Mr.Rishi, a student of the Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, for his commendable efforts in producing the event video and managing its on-stage screening, which significantly enhanced the overall quality and impact of the programme.
We extend our gratitude to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee Members of the Hurricane Vets Charitable Trust for their approval, guidance, and wholehearted support in organizing and successfully conducting this programme.
Our Mission Continues ………………