Dr Bhagabat Panda (1929-2016) - Founder Director of CARI, Izatnagar

A Pioneer and Father of Poultry Education in India Dr. Bhagabat Panda was an internationally renowned poultry scientist whose pioneering work shaped poultry research, education, and industry in India and abroad. Born in Odisha on March 16, 1929, he graduated in Veterinary Science from Bombay Veterinary College in 1953. After serving in Odisha’s Animal Husbandry Department, he pursued higher studies in the USA, earning M.S. (1960) and Ph.D. (1963) from the University of Maryland. His research on vitamin A nutrition and coccidiosis gained global recognition. On his return to India, he worked at CFTRI, Mysore, developing six processes for egg preservation and by-product utilization, later commercialized by CSIR. In 1969, he became Head of Poultry Research, IVRI, Izatnagar, where he developed it into India’s first national Centre of Excellence in Poultry Science. Known as the “Father of Poultry Education,” he expanded poultry curricula across universities and coordinated the All India Poultry Breeding Projects, helping India achieve self-sufficiency in poultry stock. His vision led to the establishment of the Central Avian Research Institute (CARI) in 1979, where he served as Founder Director until 1990, earning national honors including the National Productivity Award (1988). Dr. Panda authored over 320 research papers, six textbooks, and numerous bulletins, and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Journal of Poultry Science. He introduced Japanese Quail to India, promoted indigenous germplasm, and co-founded the Indian Poultry Science Association in 1965, serving as President for 15 years. A life member of WPSA, he was inducted into the International Poultry Hall of Fame in 1996. Over a 35-year career, he guided India’s poultry transformation from backyard activity to modern industry. His contributions earned the WPSA Lifetime Achievement Award (2001) and honorary D.Sc. (2009). Even after retirement, he remained active in poultry science. He passed away on Dec. 16, 2016, survived by his family. His wife, Smt. Saraswati Panda, passed away in 2020. Dr. Panda’s legacy as a visionary scientist, educator, and institution-builder continues to inspire generations.