Vantara announces launch of world’s first wildlife and veterinary university

Vantara the wildlife conservation organisation founded by Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani has announced the launch of Vantara University in Jamnagar today the worldrsquos first integrated institution dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary sciences It aims to position India as a global hub for wildlife education and animal careA modern Gurukulinspired visionVantara University is designed as a modernday Gurukul combining traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern science and researchThe focus is on animal welfare veterinary medicine and conservation science The university will train future professionals to care for wildlife and address global environmental challengesAnant Ambani said the idea comes from a personal journey and a need to improve animal care systems He said ldquoThe future of conservation will depend on how we prepare minds and institutions to serve life with compassion knowledge and skillrdquoHe also referred to the inspiration from ancient Nalanda University and the Sanskrit phrase ldquoA no bhadraa kratavo yantu visvatardquo meaning ldquolet noble thoughts come to us from all directionsrdquoSymbolic foundation ceremony in JamnagarThe foundation ceremony followed Hindu traditions and brought together academics scientists conservation experts and public figures including Anant Ambanirsquos teachers and mentorsA symbolic part of the event included placing soil water and stones collected from different ecological regions across India such as forests grasslands wetlands deserts and Himalayan regions This represented Indiarsquos biodiversity and natural heritageTwo Bijoliya sandstone pieces linked to ancient geological formations associated with Nalanda were also used in the design to symbolise Indiarsquos knowledge legacyWhat the university will offerVantara University will bring multiple disciplines under one academic system combining classroom learning with realworld conservation workCourses will includeWildlife medicine and surgeryAnimal nutritionBehavioural sciencesGenetics and epidemiologyOne Health studiesConservation policyAnimal care environment designThe university will offer undergraduate postgraduate fellowship and specialised programmes Scholarships will also be provided for students from economically and socially weaker backgroundsLearning through realworld conservation workThe university will use Vantararsquos existing wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work as a learning base Students will gain practical training through fieldwork and scientific researchIt will also integrate insitu natural habitats and exsitu care centres conservation methods to improve longterm wildlife protection The aim is to combine science compassion and practical experience to create professionals who can handle complex wildlife and ecosystem challengesInfrastructure global collaborations and scholarshipsThe university will have advanced academic buildings clinical facilities and a residential campus It will also collaborate with international institutions and focus on researchdriven learningThe focus will be on applied research in animal health conservation systems and ecosystem managementThe initiative also introduces programmes like the ldquoVantara University Founding Fellowsrdquo and ldquoEvery Life Mattersrdquo scholarships Officials said the goal is to build not just an educational institution but a platform that strengthens compassionate conservation and longterm wildlife protectionAbout VantaraVantara is a wildlife rescue rehabilitation healthcare and conservation initiative based in Jamnagar Gujarat It focuses on advanced veterinary care species recovery conservation breeding and longterm animal welfareThe organisation is also working toward global standards in wildlife healthcare and conservation science