School of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

It is both an honour and a privilege to serve as the Dean of the School of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (SOVAS), Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. As an integral part of Asia’s leading Skill Integrated Higher Education University, SOVAS embodies the University’s commitment to blending academic excellence with experiential learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community transformation. The School has been established with the vision of developing veterinary professionals who are not only academically accomplished but also socially responsible, compassionate, and equipped to address the evolving needs of animal health, food systems, and rural livelihoods. The birth of the School of Veterinary and Animal Sciences is rooted in the farsighted vision of the University’s Founder, Dr. Mukti Kanta Mishra, and the leadership team, whose deep compassion for animals and unwavering commitment to farmers, rural communities, and sustainable development inspired the creation of this institution. Their belief that quality veterinary education can transform lives, strengthen livestock-based livelihoods, and contribute to national development is deeply embedded in the ethos of SOVAS and continues to guide its mission and growth. I bring to this responsibility a wealth of academic experience, leadership, and global vision spanning over four decades in veterinary education, research, administration, animal welfare, dairy development, and food safety. I hold a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and have completed Post-Doctoral research in Food Safety and Risk Analysis at the University of Ghent, Belgium. My professional journey has included serving as Professor and Head of Department at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chief Executive Officer of the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board, and Veterinary and Milk Procurement Officer in Aavin, where I worked closely with dairy farmers and livestock development systems at the grassroots level. I am known for a dynamic and inclusive leadership style that encourages faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary learning, and community-focused initiatives. My academic and professional engagements across the globe—including visits and collaborations with leading institutions such as the University of British Columbia (Canada), University of Exeter and University of Plymouth (United Kingdom), Ghent University (Belgium), National University of Singapore, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Ambo University (Ethiopia)—have significantly shaped my perspective on veterinary education and research. My consultancy work in dairy development across countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Nigeria has further strengthened my commitment to applying global best practices to local livestock systems. These international experiences have been instrumental in fostering a vision of internationalizing veterinary education, building global partnerships, and promoting a culture of diversity, inclusion, and innovation at SOVAS. At SOVAS, our vision is to create a centre of excellence in veterinary education that integrates scientific knowledge with practical skills, innovation, research, and societal engagement. We seek to nurture graduates who are competent clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders capable of addressing emerging challenges in animal health, animal welfare, food safety, public health, and environmental sustainability through the One Health approach. The School is committed to fostering an ecosystem where students learn by doing, engage with farming communities, collaborate with industry, and contribute to meaningful research that creates real-world impact. By combining modern technologies, interdisciplinary learning, and strong ethical values, we aim to produce veterinary professionals who can serve both national priorities and global needs. Under this forward-looking vision, SOVAS continues to progress as a vibrant hub of academic excellence, offering innovative programs, skill-based training, and a thriving learning environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities. Our efforts are directed towards ensuring that the School remains a beacon of opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to become leaders in veterinary science and allied fields. As we embark on this exciting journey, I warmly invite students, researchers, industry partners, alumni, policymakers, and all stakeholders to join us in building a vibrant institution where compassion for animals, scientific excellence, innovation, and service to society go hand in hand. Together, we aspire to make the School of Veterinary and Animal Sciences a nationally and globally recognised centre for excellence, contributing to healthier animals, safer food, empowered farmers, and sustainable development.