The American Association of Veterinarians of Indian Origin (AAVIO) awards impeccable work
The American Association of Veterinarians of Indian Origin (AAVIO) held its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on September 21, with members and past presidents attending from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, along with special guests Dr. Mahesh Katra from Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Dr. Vijay Kumar Sinha from Patna (Bihar), India. The gathering was especially emotional as per Dr. Ravi Murarka, President of AAVIO, because the board recognized three distinguished veterinarians – Dr. M.R.Patel, retired Vice-Chancellor of Jabalpur and Gujarat Veterinary College; Dr. Nirwan Thapar, pathologist and past president of AAVIO, and Dr. J.P. Dubey, past president and parasitologist from the USDA.
Proud moment for the teacher-student duo
For the first time, a teacher and his student were honoured together. Dr. M.R. Patel had once taught at Mhow Veterinary College, where Dr. J.P. Dubey was his student. The event hosted several past AAVIO presidents, including Dr. Suresh Dua, Dr. J.P. Dubey, Dr. Bharat Patel, and Dr. Murti Guntakatta, who, along with Dr. Nirwan Thapar’s daughter, shared their personal stories of overcoming challenges to establish themselves and AAVIO.
Dr. Nikhil Joshi from Merck Animal Health, who had previously worked at the Bharatiya Agro Industry Foundation in Pune, India, presented information on a new non-adjuvant canine influenza (flu) vaccine, H3N2, RNA Particle. Due to health issues,
Amidst awards and accolades
Dr. M.R. Patel, a distinguished veterinarian and educator, was honoured by AAVIO president Dr. Ravi Murarka for his lifelong contributions to leadership, service, mentorship, and veterinary education in both India and the USA. Dr. M.R. Patel was unable to attend, so his son accepted the award on his behalf. The late Dr. Nirwan Thapar’s award was accepted by his eldest daughter, Dr. Namita Dua.
Dr. Patel – Making a mark for India
Dr. Patel, born in Gujarat, India, graduated with honors from Bombay Veterinary College in 1951. He earned further qualifications from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) in England and pursued his M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. He taught veterinary medicine in India, rising to Vice Chancellor of agricultural universities. After emigrating to the USA, he worked at the Women’s Humane Society in Philadelphia until age 83. Now 98, Dr. Patel remains an inspiring mentor and leader in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Thapar and his unparalleled leadership
Dr. Nirwan Tilak Thapar, founder of the American Indian Veterinary Association (AIVA), was a native of Ludhiana, Punjab, India. After graduating from Hisar Veterinary College in 1963, he earned a Master’s in Pathology from the University of Wisconsin in 1968. He worked at the University of Maryland’s pathology lab before moving into private practice. Dr. Thapar’s legacy lives on through his leadership in the veterinary community and his selfless dedication to numerous clubs and associations. His warmth, leadership, and generosity touched many lives. He was honoured in the presence of his family.
Dr. Jitender P. Dubey – Leading by Example
Dr. Jitender P. Dubey is a renowned veterinary parasitologist and microbiologist, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis neurona. He discovered the life cycle of T. gondii and named N. caninum and S. neurona. Dr. Dubey earned his veterinary degree in 1960, followed by advanced studies in parasitology and medical microbiology. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honors, including the Distinguished Veterinary Parasitologist Award (1985), WAAVP Pfizer Award (1995), and the William C. Campbell One-Health Award (2018). He has lived in Greenbelt, Maryland, since 1982.