Dr. Pravin Bankar is an accomplished veterinary academician, researcher, mentor, and extension professional with extensive experience in Animal Genetics and Breeding. He has served in academic and research roles at Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Nagpur, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS).

His professional career began as a Research Associate in the ICAR Network Project on Deccani Sheep Improvement at MPKV, Rahuri, followed by more than a decade of teaching, research, student mentoring, extension, and academic administration at MAFSU.

Teaching & Academic Contributions

Dr. Bankar has made significant contributions to undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary education. He has taught UG and PG courses and developed six practical manuals, a Breed Atlas, data cards, videos, charts, multimedia presentations, and other educational resources. He has also promoted blended learning through Google Classrooms and e-quizzes.

He has guided 6 postgraduate students as Major Advisor, served on the advisory committees of 30 PG students and 1 PhD scholar, and contributed to curriculum development and academic governance as Secretary of the Board of Studies in Animal Breeding and Genetics.

Student Mentorship & Development

His mentorship has produced measurable academic outcomes. Three of his PG students received Best Poster Presentation Awards at national conferences, while three progressed to PhD programmes at NDRI and qualified the ICAR-NET examination.

He has also established and supported competitive-examination initiatives such as the MPSC LDO Study Forum and Mission NET/ICAR examination guidance programme. More than 400 students benefited from the MPSC LDO initiative, while additional activities included mock tests, mock interviews, tutorials, guest lectures, career guidance, and capacity-building programmes.

Research & Project Contributions

Dr. Bankar has been actively involved in externally funded research and development projects. His project experience includes work on:

• Deccani sheep improvement and animal genetic resources
• Probiotic supplementation, gut health, and immune response in broiler chickens
• Skill development of donkey farmers
• Hoof affections and their impact on working ability and production
• Characterization of Maharashtra's animal genetic resources
• Scientific interventions for Kaikadi donkey farmers

He has served as Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, and Nodal Officer on projects funded by organizations including ICAR-NBAGR, ICAR-NRCE, ICAR-SCSP, ATMA, and industry partners. His ongoing projects include significant work on animal genetic resources and livelihood-oriented skill development.

Research Publications & Scholarly Output

His scholarly contributions include 26 research papers, 48 research abstracts, 3 lead papers, 4 book chapters, and 3 breed monographs. He has also contributed to editorial boards for training manuals, souvenirs, and scientific compendia.

His research has contributed to recommendations adopted at the university level, including an MAFSU recommendation presented at the XIX Joint ASRC Meet (2021–2022).

Extension & Farmer-Oriented Activities

A major strength of Dr. Bankar's academic profile is his integration of research with field-level veterinary extension and farmer empowerment. He has organized and coordinated training programmes, demonstrations, camps, seminars, webinars, and awareness activities.

He has served as a resource person in numerous training programmes and contributed through radio and television talks, popular articles, leaflets, booklets, exhibitions, and agricultural awareness programmes. His extension activities have particularly emphasized goat farming, donkey farming, animal husbandry, sustainable livestock production, and climate-responsive agricultural practices.

Institutional Development & Leadership

Dr. Bankar has made substantial contributions to institutional development at the college and university levels. He has been associated with the Skill Development Cell, Scholarship Section, Placement Cell, Media Cell, Gymkhana, Equal Opportunity Centre, Anti-Ragging Cell, Student Grievance Cell, and Training Planning and Monitoring Cell.

He has also contributed to university accreditation, ranking, reporting, recruitment, library, digital-learning, and student-support initiatives. His efforts in developing sports and recreational infrastructure included establishment of a Badminton Court, Volleyball Ground, Music Room, and Open Gym.

Digital & Innovative Educational Initiatives

Dr. Bankar has actively promoted digital dissemination of educational and extension material. He contributed to the development of QR-based leaflets and calendars, audiovisual COVID-19 awareness material, online training programmes, and digital repositories.

He also supported the college's digital outreach through a YouTube channel containing 90+ videos and an online guidance and placement network, thereby improving access to educational and career-related resources.

Awards & Professional Recognition

His academic and professional contributions have earned several recognitions, including:

• First Prize as co-author of a paper presented at an International Conference in Mumbai
• 8 Appreciation Certificates, including national- and state-level recognitions
• Invitations as a Guest Speaker at national and state-level academic forums
• Fellowship for Scientific Research and Development (FSRD)

He is professionally associated with the Maharashtra State Veterinary Council and is a life member of several professional and scientific organizations related to animal genetics, veterinary research, and allied disciplines.

Overall Academic Impact

Dr. Pravin Bankar represents a well-rounded academic professional whose career combines teaching excellence, student mentorship, research, extension, institutional leadership, curriculum development, and community-oriented veterinary services. His ability to connect academic knowledge with farmer-focused programmes and student development has strengthened both veterinary education and livestock extension.

Eligibility for Best Academician Award

Dr. Pravin Bankar is eligible for the Best Academician Award in Scientific Laurels based on his sustained and multifaceted contribution to veterinary education, research, mentorship, extension, and institutional development. His progression to Associate Professor, extensive teaching experience, development of academic resources, guidance of numerous postgraduate and doctoral students, and demonstrated success in student competitive-examination and research activities establish strong academic credentials.

His 26 research papers, 48 abstracts, book chapters and breed monographs, leadership in funded projects, curriculum-development contributions, student-centred initiatives, professional recognitions, and extensive extension activities further strengthen his candidature. His achievements demonstrate not only academic productivity but also a sustained commitment to student empowerment, knowledge dissemination, research advancement, and institutional excellence, making him a strong candidate for the Best Academician Award – Scientific Laurels.