Aquariums Created by Fisheries Students Was the Centre of Attraction at Ornamental Fish Festival

The College of Fisheries (COF), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), organized the "Ornamental Fish Festival," which attracted a lot of attention from the public and showcased the visual delight and interest of people in ornamental fish.

The celebration began with the opening remarks of the Chief Guest, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, GADVASU, and continued in full swing with hundreds of attendees, including students, traders, schoolchildren, members of the general public, and university scientists.

The festival's main attractions were aquariums created by final-year undergraduate fisheries students that included eye-catching themes and various ornamental fish species on show in captivating tank setups to captivate the audience. According to Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean COF, the festival's goal of promoting ornamental fisheries through public entertainment was accomplished because ornamental fish and aquaria were in high demand. The overwhelming response received during the said promotional event will certainly uplift the spirits of the students to develop an entrepreneurial aptitude, she added.

The Experiential Learning Programs (ELP) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the "STUDENT READY" program, according to Dr. Vaneet Inder Kaur, Principal Scientist, are important in promoting youth independence. The program was organized by Dr. Vaneet Inder, the ELP In-charge, and Dr. Sachin Onkar Khairnar, an expert in ornamental fish. Such events will be held frequently to spread knowledge and promote ornamental fish among the region's pet lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, they added.

In order to spark entrepreneurship in the graduating fisheries professionals, Dr. Inderjeet Singh congratulated the winners of the themed aquarium fabrication, promotional tagline, poster-making, and fish-raising competitions held throughout the festival. After receiving formal training from a university, youth and women can easily adopt ornamental fish as a backyard full-time or subsidiary activity, offering rich entrepreneurial options with little cost and space.

The officers of the university also graced the occasion with their courteous presence to appreciate and inspire the students.