Karnal, India | December 24, 2025: The Indian dairy and agricultural research fraternity is in mourning. Dr. Anil Kumar Srivastava, former Director and Vice Chancellor of ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, passed away on December 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped India’s livestock biotechnology narrative long before it became fashionable to say “regenerative” in boardrooms.
Popularly known as the “Clone Man of India,” Dr. Srivastava was among the country’s most influential animal biotechnologists, renowned for his pioneering work in reproductive physiology, animal cloning, pharmacology, toxicology, and dairy sciences. His scientific contributions and institutional leadership played a central role in strengthening India’s position in global livestock research.
A Scholar Forged in Varanasi, Polished in Munich
Born on August 1, 1957, in Varanasi, Dr. Srivastava began his academic journey at Ashok Inter College and Queen’s College, Varanasi. He earned his:
- BVSc & AH (1979)
- MVSc (1981)
- PhD (1984)
His pursuit of scientific excellence later took him to GSF Institute of Toxicology, Munich, Germany (1988–1990) for advanced training—an experience that added global depth to his already formidable analytical precision.
From Classroom to Command Center
Dr. Srivastava’s career started as an assistant professor, followed by his tenure as Professor and Head, Pharmacology & Toxicology at SKUAST–Jammu. However, his most defining role came when he served as:
Director & Vice Chancellor, NDRI (2008–2017)
During his leadership, NDRI broadened its research horizons in areas including:
- Animal genetics & molecular biology
- Reproductive biotechnology
- Cloning science
- Dairy biochemistry & animal health
His ability to connect complex biological systems with real-world dairy economics and farmer outcomes made him a rare breed in science leadership—one that spoke fluent lab data and ground reality.
The Cooperative Champion of Science
Beyond NDRI, Dr. Srivastava held key positions across India’s scientific and policy ecosystem, including:
- Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi
- Vice President, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- President, National Academy of Dairy Science
- President, Association of Mastitis–India
- President, Probiotic Association of India
- Patron, Indian Dairy Association
- Member, Governing Board, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
- Authority Member, FSSAI
He also chaired national committees influencing animal biotechnology, milk value addition, food processing R&D, skill development, and livestock missions across Punjab and Rajasthan.
Awards That Didn’t Need LinkedIn Endorsements
His honors included:
- International NOCIL Award
- ICAR Jawaharlal Nehru Award
- National Alarsin Award
- German Academic Exchange Fellowship
- Lifetime Achievement Awards from multiple livestock and reproduction science societies
- Chellappa Memorial, Dr. Rao Memorial, and Prof. M. Sabir Oration Awards
A Voice Louder Than Adulteration, Clearer Than Skim Calculations
Dr. Srivastava was also celebrated for his oratory brilliance, where he delivered data-dense insights with clarity sharp enough to slice through misinformation and fat-phobia in one breath.
A heartfelt homage shared by a close associate from the dairy sector reads:
“The dairy industry has lost one of its brightest stars. His grasp of national and global dairy statistics, and his seamless articulation of milk’s nutritional importance, made him one of India’s greatest dairy orators. I am blessed to have interacted with him and learned from him at multiple forums. May his soul attain Moksha and merge with the Supreme.”
Read More: U.S. Dairy Production Sees Major Surge, Creating Market Challenges
Legacy
- Elevated Indian animal biotechnology to global recognition
- Strengthened farmer-linked breeding and dairy research programs
- Inspired generations of scientists, veterinarians, and dairy technologists
- Advocated for natural farming and cooperative-led dairy formalization
Final Salute
In an era of flashy product launches and short-lived policy noise, Dr. Srivastava launched science that lasted 50 years without needing a marketing budget.
His passing leaves a vacuum in Indian dairy research, but his work ensures the industry still has its compass—even if the captain has left the ship.
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