President Droupadi Murmu, while addressing the 11th convocation ceremony of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly on Monday, said she finds the term pashu (a commonly used Hindi word for animals) “inappropriate” and instead referred to animals as jeevan dhan, meaning “valuable for life.”
“Truly speaking, animals and human beings share a relationship,” the President said. “Today we have technology, but in the past, they (animals) were our saadhan (means of transport) and bal (force) for farmers. Hence, I do not find the word ‘pashu’ appropriate for animals as they are ‘jeevan dhan’. We cannot think of life without them,” she added.
Highlighting the symbiotic bond between humans and animals, Murmu noted that despite rapid technological advances, the role of animals in supporting human livelihoods, especially in agriculture and rural economies, remains vital. Her remarks were well-received by the audience comprising researchers, scholars, and students of veterinary science.
Murmu’s visit to Uttar Pradesh
President Murmu arrived in Bareilly on Monday morning for a two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. She was welcomed by Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the official handle of the President of India said, “Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, received President Droupadi Murmu on her arrival at Bareilly.”
President to visit AIIMS and AYUSH University
Later on June 30, the President will also attend the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Gorakhpur. On July 1, she is scheduled to inaugurate the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur.
The AYUSH University, located in Pipri, Bhathat, about 25 km from Gorakhpur city, was founded in 2021. It is affiliated with 98 AYUSH colleges across Uttar Pradesh.
