Bareilly: President Droupadi Murmu said on Monday using the word ‘pashu’ for animals was “inappropriate” and referred to them as “jeevan dhan”, or wealth of life.
Murmu, who was speaking at the 11th convocation ceremony of Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), said life without animals cannot be imagined, reported PTI.
The President highlighted the symbiotic bond between humans and animals, and remarked that despite rapid technological advances, the role of animals in supporting human livelihoods, especially in agriculture and rural economies, remains vital.
“Truly speaking, animals and human beings share a relationship. Today, we have technology, but in the past, they (animals) were our ‘saadhan’ (for transportation) and ‘bal’ (force) for the farmers.
“Hence, I do not find the word ‘pashu’ appropriate for animals as they are ‘jeevan dhan’. We cannot think of life without them,” Murmu said.
The President pointed out that in Indian culture, the presence of God is seen in all creatures.
She asserted that vaccination of animals plays an important role in the prevention of diseases.
President Droupadi Murmu graced the convocation ceremony of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute at Bareilly. The President said that institutes like IVRI should find indigenous and low-cost treatments and nutrition for the animals. They should also look for alternatives to… pic.twitter.com/ZBSqdXkyEe
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 30, 2025
Murmu, who was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel on arrival in Bareilly, praised students for dedicating themselves to the care of animals.
Advising them to remain guided by the welfare of the voiceless in moments of doubt, the President said, “Think of those innocent beings — you will find your path.”
She called on young professionals to become entrepreneurs in animal science, and said that such initiatives will not only support livelihoods but also contribute to the national economy.
