Guwahati witnessed a significant academic milestone on October 13, 2025.
Dr. Niranjan Kalita was sworn in as the first Vice Chancellor of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University (AVFU).
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati, where the Governor of Assam administered the oath of office.
With this appointment, Assam officially gains a specialized institution dedicated to veterinary and fishery sciences.
The establishment of AVFU marks a strategic step in expanding technical and agricultural education in the state.
Strengthening Assam’s Veterinary and Fishery Sectors
The new university aims to bridge academic excellence with practical solutions in animal health, livestock management, and aquaculture.
Dr. Kalita’s leadership comes at a time when Assam’s rural economy is witnessing growing dependence on animal husbandry and fishery development.
Experts believe the university will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and training for farmers and entrepreneurs.
It will focus on promoting sustainable livestock and fisheries practices to boost rural livelihoods.
According to educationists, institutions like AVFU can significantly improve veterinary public health and disease management.
The university will also collaborate with local communities to implement modern scientific techniques in breeding, nutrition, and aquatic resource conservation.
Dr. Niranjan Kalita’s Vision and Academic Leadership
Dr. Niranjan Kalita is known for his deep expertise in animal sciences and his commitment to advancing veterinary education.
His academic career has been marked by innovation in animal disease research and student development.
As the founding Vice Chancellor, he is expected to shape the university’s academic framework and global collaborations.
He emphasized that the university will focus on skill-based learning, industry partnerships, and rural outreach.
In his address after the ceremony, Dr. Kalita highlighted the importance of aligning veterinary and fishery research with the needs of Assam’s agrarian society.
He also mentioned plans to establish regional research centers, technology incubation units, and student internship programs across districts. However, his leadership is seen as a driving force behind Assam’s efforts to become self-reliant in veterinary and aquaculture innovation.
Boost to Veterinary Education and Research in the Northeast
The creation of AVFU is expected to benefit not only Assam but the entire Northeastern region.
Students will now have access to specialized degree programs, laboratories, and field-based training. Although, the initiative will help generate skilled manpower to meet the growing demands of the livestock and fishery sectors.
The university also aims to conduct joint projects with institutions like Assam Agricultural University and the College of Veterinary Science in Khanapara. Moreover, such collaborations are likely to encourage cross-disciplinary research and innovation.
In addition, AVFU plans to strengthen its digital learning infrastructure to promote distance education and online certification courses. Furthermore, this will help reach aspiring students from remote rural and tribal areas.
Empowering Rural Economy Through Scientific Progress
Assam’s economy has long been supported by livestock and fisheries.
However, challenges such as low productivity, disease outbreaks, and limited training facilities have hindered growth.
The new university’s research and extension programs will address these gaps with scientific precision.
Dr. Kalita’s appointment brings hope for transforming Assam into a center of excellence for animal and aquatic sciences.
His vision aligns with the state government’s mission to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable resource use.
By introducing advanced curriculum modules, AVFU will empower farmers with modern breeding, feeding, and health management techniques.
The university will also provide consultancy and capacity-building support to small-scale fishers and livestock keepers.
Looking Ahead
The swearing-in of Dr. Niranjan Kalita as the first Vice Chancellor of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University marks a new beginning for specialized education in the state.
It represents a broader vision of integrating science, sustainability, and community development.
As Assam moves forward, the success of AVFU will depend on its ability to merge classroom knowledge with field-level transformation. With Dr. Kalita’s experience and leadership, the university is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the future of animal. And aquatic science education in the Northeast.
