Commemorating World Veterinary Day 2026, the Nagaland Veterinarians’ Association organised a workshop on the theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” sponsored by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Nagaland, at de Oriental Grand, Kohima, on April 25, 2026.
Special Guest, Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Tribal Affairs, Angelina Tajen, IAS, said the theme chosen could not be more relevant for Nagaland. She stated that the word “guardian” in the theme means to anticipate, prevent, and protect food and health, which is the responsibility of every veterinarian.
She said veterinarians safeguard livelihoods, as for many farmers an animal is not just livestock but also “a bank account, a child’s education, and a daughter’s wedding.” She noted that one disease outbreak can push a household into debt, while timely veterinary intervention ensures livestock protection and prevents contamination of the food chain.
Tajen further said deworming camps, artificial insemination services, and farmer training are direct poverty alleviation programmes.
She cautioned that the next decade would be a test as climate change may shift disease patterns, consumers would demand safer and traceable food, and governments would expect a One Health approach rather than only animal treatment.
She suggested filling vacant posts, setting up mobile veterinary units in every district, establishing vaccine cold chains, upgrading infrastructure, and adopting digital disease reporting systems.
Later, Assistant Professor Dr. Raghubir Singh spoke on the theme, while the reaffirmation of the Veterinarian’s Oath was led by Nagaland Veterinarians’ Association President Dr. K.N. Zubemo Humtsoe.
