KAMDHENU CHAIR

Introduction

The Kamdhenu Chair at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), Surat, was established to promote education, scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurship related to indigenous cattle and cow-based resources. The Chair functions as a multidisciplinary platform that integrates India's rich traditional knowledge with modern scientific research to address contemporary challenges in agriculture, healthcare, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and rural development.

The Chair recognizes the immense scientific, ecological, economic, and cultural significance of indigenous cows and encourages evidence-based research on Panchgavya, Gomutra (cow urine), Gobar (cow dung), organic farming, bio-fertilizers, natural pesticides, biogas technology, nutraceuticals, and value-added cow-based products. It seeks to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and scientific innovation by creating awareness among students, researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs, industries, and the community.

Aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Kamdhenu Chair promotes multidisciplinary education, experiential learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, skill development, and collaborative research. Through academic programmes, workshops, conferences, field activities, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with academic institutions, industries, government agencies, and non-government organizations, the Chair strives to develop sustainable solutions that contribute to environmental conservation, rural prosperity, and national development.

The Kamdhenu Chair also serves as a platform for nurturing young researchers and innovators by providing opportunities for research, skill development, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship in cow-based sciences, thereby strengthening the University's commitment to academic excellence and societal welfare.

Aim

To establish the Kamdhenu Chair as a Centre of Excellence for interdisciplinary education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in indigenous cow-based sciences by integrating traditional Indian knowledge with modern scientific advancements for sustainable agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, environmental conservation, and rural development.

Objectives

Promote scientific research on indigenous cattle and cow-based resources.
Encourage sustainable agriculture through organic farming, bio-fertilizers, natural pesticides, and biogas technology.
Generate awareness regarding the medicinal, agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic significance of Panchgavya products.
Introduce multidisciplinary academic programmes and elective courses in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup development in cow-based industries.
Provide skill development programmes for students, researchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Strengthen collaborations with universities, industries, NGOs, and government organizations.
Promote commercialization of research outcomes and technology transfer.
Contribute towards environmental conservation and sustainable rural development

Coordinator

Dr. Gaurav S. Shah

Professor & Head Department of Biotechnology

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat

Dr. Gaurav S. Shah was appointed as the Coordinator of the Kamdhenu Chair on 20 November 2024. Under his leadership, the Chair has initiated several academic, research, and outreach programmes aimed at promoting indigenous cow-based research and sustainable development. His vision focuses on strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, introducing innovative academic programmes, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting scientific validation of traditional Indian knowledge in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

VISION & MISSION

Vision

To establish the Kamdhenu Chair as a nationally recognized Centre of Excellence for education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship related to indigenous cattle by integrating traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern scientific advancements. The Chair envisions promoting sustainable agriculture, healthcare innovations, renewable bio-energy, environmental conservation, and rural development while creating scientifically validated solutions for the benefit of society.

Mission

The Kamdhenu Chair is committed to promoting scientific research and innovation on indigenous cows and cow-based resources while creating awareness regarding their agricultural, medicinal, environmental, and socio-economic significance. It aims to develop multidisciplinary academic programmes, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen collaborations with universities, industries, NGOs, and government organizations, and provide skill development opportunities for students, researchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Through research, outreach, and community engagement, the Chair seeks to preserve traditional knowledge while fostering sustainable development and societal well-being.

LOGO LAUNCH

Launch of Kamdhenu Chair Logo

Date: 19 March 2025

The official logo of the Kamdhenu Chair was unveiled on 19 March 2025 at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, marking a significant milestone in the establishment and identity of the Chair. The logo was thoughtfully designed to symbolize the philosophy, vision, and scientific objectives of the Kamdhenu Chair while reflecting India's rich cultural heritage and commitment towards sustainable development.

The central element of the logo represents the Bhartiya (Indigenous) Cow, symbolizing prosperity, sustainability, and the invaluable contribution of indigenous cattle to agriculture, healthcare, and environmental conservation. The design incorporates representations of Gomutra, highlighting its medicinal and agricultural applications, and Gobar, emphasizing its importance in organic farming, renewable bio-energy, bio-fertilizers, and eco-friendly technologies.

The unique Agni waves symbolize energy, transformation, innovation, and continuous progress through scientific research. The circular structure of the logo represents harmony, completeness, nature, sustainability, and holistic well-being while reflecting the integration of traditional wisdom with modern scientific advancements.

The logo was officially launched in the esteemed presence of Hon'ble Vice Chancellor Dr. Kishorsinh Chavda, Dr. C. K. Timbadiya, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Gujarat National Forensic Sciences University, and Dr. Rameshdan Gadhvi, Registrar of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. The event reflected the University's commitment to promoting indigenous knowledge, research excellence, and sustainable innovation.

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FOUNDATION MEETING

Foundation Meeting of Kamdhenu Chair

Date: 19 December 2024

The Foundation Meeting of the Kamdhenu Chair was organized by the Department of Biotechnology, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, on 19 December 2024 to formally introduce the vision, objectives, and future roadmap of the Chair. The meeting served as an important platform for bringing together academicians, administrators, researchers, students, and experts committed to promoting indigenous cow-based research and sustainable development.

The programme was graced by Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kishorsinh Chavda, Registrar Dr. Rameshdan Gadhvi, Dr. Gaurav S. Shah, Professor & Head, Department of Biotechnology and Coordinator of the Kamdhenu Chair, and Dr. Hitesh Jani, Director of the Animal Welfare Board of India.

During the inaugural session, the dignitaries highlighted the importance of indigenous cattle in Indian culture and emphasized the need for scientific validation of traditional knowledge to address present-day agricultural, environmental, and healthcare challenges. The vision of the Kamdhenu Chair was presented with special emphasis on promoting research related to Panchgavya products, organic farming, sustainable agriculture, renewable bio-energy, traditional therapeutic practices, and rural entrepreneurship.

Dr. Hitesh Jani delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the interrelationship between Aarogya (Health), Arth (Economy), and Adhyatma (Spirituality) and explained how indigenous cattle contribute significantly towards holistic development and environmental sustainability.

The programme also showcased the innovative "Selfie with Gau" initiative, encouraging students and youth to reconnect with India's indigenous heritage while promoting awareness regarding the importance of native cattle breeds.

An interactive discussion session encouraged active participation from students, faculty members, researchers, and staff members, allowing them to exchange ideas and propose future academic, research, and outreach activities under the Kamdhenu Chair. The Foundation Meeting witnessed the participation of 97 participants, demonstrating the University's commitment to interdisciplinary education, innovation, and community engagement.

The programme was efficiently coordinated by Dr. Mansi Mehta, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, whose dedicated efforts ensured the successful organization of the event.

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SECOND MEETING

Second Meeting of Kamdhenu Chair

Date: 25 August 2025

The Second Meeting of the Kamdhenu Chair was successfully organized on 25 August 2025 at the Narmad Sabha Gruh, Administrative Building, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat. The meeting was convened to review the progress of the Chair, evaluate activities undertaken during the previous academic year, and finalize the strategic action plan and quarterly targets for the academic year 2025–26.

The meeting was chaired by Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kishorsinh N. Chavda and attended by Dr. Hitesh Jani, Provost of Gau Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Director of the Animal Welfare Board, along with Dr. Gaurav S. Shah, Coordinator of the Kamdhenu Chair, faculty members, researchers, students, and industry experts.

The discussions primarily focused on implementing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 through the introduction of a four-credit multidisciplinary elective course titled Cow-Based Research and Entrepreneurship. The proposed curriculum includes topics such as Panchgavya applications, organic farming, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, biogas technology, healthcare innovations, and value-added cow-based products.

The meeting also emphasized strengthening interdisciplinary research in bio-fertilizers, natural pesticides, nutraceuticals, renewable bio-energy, and environmentally sustainable technologies. Members discussed establishing startup incubation facilities, promoting student innovation, encouraging patent generation, strengthening Public–Private Partnerships (PPP), and developing sustainable village models for effective technology transfer and community development.

An interactive open-house discussion enabled faculty members, researchers, students, and industry representatives to share innovative ideas and future research directions. Valuable suggestions were received regarding commercialization of research, collaborative projects, entrepreneurship development, farmer outreach programmes, and expansion of research activities under the Kamdhenu Chair.

The programme witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 38 delegates, reflecting the growing interest in indigenous cow-based research and innovation. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to transform the Kamdhenu Chair into a nationally recognized centre for interdisciplinary education, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development through collaborative efforts and academic excellence.

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