Dr. Chauhan – The Visionary Scientist Who Transformed Veterinary Pathology and Revived Cowpathy

In a quiet village where the rhythm of life followed the seasons of harvest, a young boy from a farmer’s family dreamed beyond the fields. Born on September 10, 1958, Dr. Chauhan turned humble beginnings into a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, science, and service to humanity. His story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a relentless vision to combine traditional wisdom with modern veterinary science.

Dr. Chauhan’s academic brilliance became evident early in life. He completed his Bachelors degree with 80.3%, Masters with 85.8%, and Doctorate with 90.0% in Veterinary Sciences, specializing in Veterinary Pathology from the prestigious G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar. His scholastic achievements paved the way for a distinguished scientific career that would span over four decades.

Beginning as Assistant Professor and ADIO in 1983, Dr. Chauhan steadily rose through the ranks, Associate Professor (1996-1999), National Fellow (1999-2004), Joint Director at IVRI, Izatnagar (2004-2009), and later, Director & Vice-Chancellor at ICAR-IVRI (2009). He also served as Campus Director at IBT Patwadangar (2009-2013) and Professor & Head of Veterinary Pathology (2014-2024). At each stage, his leadership inspired innovation, mentorship and institutional progress.

Dr. Chauhan’s literary and research contributions have shaped the scientific community worldwide. He authored 120 books, including 35 manuals and a highly cited monograph, contributed 107 book chapters, and published 241 research and 65 review papers. His 328 semi-technical articles made complex veterinary science accessible to farmers and practitioners, bridging science and society. As a dedicated educator, he guided over 50 postgraduate and doctoral scholars who now serve across academia, industry, and research globally.

Beyond research, Dr. Chauhan took scientific knowledge to the public. Invited 27 times by All India Radio and Television, he became a familiar voice promoting veterinary health and public awareness. His participation in 182 scientific conferences and over 139 specialized training programs helped educate scientists, veterinary officers, and farmers nationwide.

Dr. Chauhan’s contributions have been honoured with more than 25 national and international awards. Notable among them are the Best Young Scientist Award (1992), National Fellow Award (1999), Vigyan Bharti Award (2000), Best Teacher Award (2004), Bharat Excellence Award (2007), Outstanding Scientist Award (2019), and Indo Asian-Claude Bourgelat Distinguished Scientist Award (2020). His pioneering work earned him the affectionate title “COWPATHY MAN”, a recognition bestowed for his scientific validation of Panchgavya as Cowpathy—an innovative fusion of traditional Indian knowledge and modern immunopathology.

Dr. Chauhan’s research broke new ground in animal immunopathology and toxicology. He identified enterotoxaemia, pyometra, and ETEC infection in camels, isolated camel pox virus, reported the role of cell-mediated immunity in rotavirus infection in calves, and developed India’s first rapid diagnostic test (DIA). His work on immunopathological effects of pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and nanoparticles redefined disease investigation methods. His MTT dye method for CMI detection and pioneering Cowpathy research opened new therapeutic possibilities in veterinary and human health.

Internationally recognized as Visiting Professor at the University of Wageningen and Advisor to WHO, Dr. Chauhan’s global presence has impacted both policy and practice. He implemented ISO-certified quality systems in national veterinary laboratories, standardized diagnostic protocols across India, and introduced personnel certification through the ICVP Diplomate program. As editor of leading journals, including Journal of Immunology and Immunopathology and Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology, he strengthened scientific discourse across disciplines.

Dr. Chauhan’s legacy extends beyond laboratories. At his GAUMA FARM in Inderpur near Rudrapur, he established a model center for Badri cow conservation, Panchgavya-based healing, and natural farming. His research into Cowpathy has provided comfort to patients suffering from chronic illnesses, blending science, compassion, and sustainability.

From his childhood in a farmer’s home to the pinnacle of scientific achievement, Dr. Chauhan’s journey is a testament to perseverance, intellect, and faith in one’s vision. As a teacher, researcher, and humanitarian, he continues to inspire generations to believe that science must serve life and not merely study it. His name will remain etched in the annals of Indian veterinary science as a symbol of innovation, dedication and compassion – qualities that truly define a visionary.