On the 12th March 2025, recipient of Grassroots Science Advice Promotion Awards 2023, Dr Pankaj Dhaka successfully conducted a capacity-building workshop titled “Addressing Emerging Zoonoses in India: A One Health Approach”. The workshop was successfully organized at the Centre for One Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana. A total of 20 research scholars from the College of Veterinary Science and the College of Fisheries, GADVASU, actively participated in this day-long workshop.

The primary objective of the workshop was to enhance the understanding of zoonotic diseases, their epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and strategies for prevention and control through a One Health lens. Dr. Jasbir Singh Bedi, Director, Centre for One Health, interacted with participants and elaborated on the One Health concept as a holistic and collaborative framework to combat emerging zoonotic threats. Dr. Pankaj Dhaka, Assistant Professor, delivered an insightful lecture highlighting the significance of common zoonotic diseases, emerging zoonoses, their epidemiology, and socio-economic impacts.

A practical session was also conducted to familiarize participants with molecular diagnostic methods. This included hands-on training on the detection of foodborne zoonotic pathogens using PCR assays. The session was facilitated by Dr. Deepali Kalambhe, Assistant Professor and Dr. Pankaj Dhaka. The workshop was organized by the Centre for One Health and supported by the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA)-Asia. The event concluded on an engaging note, fostering collaborative learning, and a renewed commitment among young researchers to contribute proactively to zoonoses research and One Health initiatives.