Vet for Vulture
As part of the Vulture awareness campaign, International Vulture Awareness Day was celebrated at Damodaran Hall, VCRI Namakkal, Tamil Nadu on 04/09/2014.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Doraisamy, Deen of the VCRI. During his inaugural speech, he mentioned about veterinarians’ roles in the revival of this species and observed that “Tower of Silence” is silence now without Vultures.
About 150 veterinary students and five Professors actively participated in this program. Welcome speech was given by Dr. Dharmacheelan of VCRI. The chief guest Dr. Parcy Avari, Assistant Professor, Veterinary College, Mumbai elaborately and scientifically addressed among the gathering about Vulture's decline and its importance in the ecosystem. He also explained the testing procedures done on the various drugs. Only Meloxicam drug passed the drug safety test. Students were very enthusiastic and posed various questions to the chief guest.
A signature campaign was initiated among the participants and all of them participated in the event with interest.
S.Bharathidasan, Secretary, Arulagam spoke about the importance of International Vulture Awareness Day and urgent action to be taken by the stakeholders. He also mentioned Vulture in Tamil Sangam Literature and Ramayana. He also welcomed the gathering to join friends of Vulture Group.
Diclofenac ban order, Prescription pad with anti-diclofenac message and brochure on vultures were distributed to the audience. Banner with conservation messages on Vultures was displayed all around the hall.
The program was jointly organized by VCRI, Namakkal and Arulagam with the support of CEPF, SAVE and OBC. This event was coordinated by Arulagam team namely, R.Venkitachalam, Research Biologist, P. Arunagiri, Sociologist, Ramesh, Co-ordinator.
