In the world of Indian poultry science, some individuals are remembered for their research, some for their leadership, and a rare few for the lives they transform. Prof. G. Devegowda belonged to the latter category — a teacher, guide, disciplinarian, motivator, and above all, a humane soul who shaped generations of professionals through values as much as through science.
For many of his students, the first impression of Prof. Devegowda became a lifelong memory. His neatly groomed appearance, disciplined demeanor, elegant dressing style, and soft-spoken personality immediately set him apart. There was a quiet dignity in the way he carried himself — humble, yet commanding immense respect. His classroom presence was so inspiring that several students chose Poultry Science as their career path simply after attending his lectures.
The First Impression That Lasted Forever
For many students, their first meeting with Prof. Devegowda during orientation programs or classroom lectures became unforgettable moments. His neatly groomed appearance, elegant dressing style, calm demeanor, and soft-spoken nature immediately commanded admiration.
Students often recall how his presence alone created an aura of discipline and professionalism. Even a brief interaction left a lasting impact. Several students decided to pursue Poultry Science purely because of the inspiration they drew from his lectures and personality.
Dr SS Pattabhirama fondly remembers:
“When I met Professor for the first time, I was immediately impressed by his elegant dressing style, his gentle way of speaking, his neatly groomed appearance, and his disciplined demeanor.”
For Dr NC Manju, studying under him itself was considered an achievement:
“For every student in Bangalore Veterinary College, pursuing post-graduation under Prof. Devegowda was a dream because of the immense respect he commanded in both academia and industry.”
His classes were unlike conventional academic sessions. Entering the classroom with only a chalk, duster, and a few notes, he could captivate an entire hall within minutes. Students remember sitting in pin-drop silence as he explained the poultry industry, the role of veterinarians, and the immense opportunities within the sector with remarkable simplicity and clarity.
One of his most memorable teachings was:
“First comes common sense, then science.”
For him, poultry science was never only about technology or textbooks; it was about observation, practicality, discipline, and understanding life itself.
A Mentor Who Built Human Beings, Not Just Professionals
Prof. Devegowda’s greatest strength was his ability to recognize the individuality of every student. He believed each person carried unique strengths waiting to be nurtured.
His mentorship was deeply rooted in empathy and inclusiveness. He understood the struggles of students who carried dreams larger than their circumstances and never allowed financial limitations to become barriers for deserving individuals.
Dr Swamy Haladi, who himself came from a middle-class agricultural family in Karnataka, recalls one such deeply personal example:
“Professor supported my PhD journey in Canada financially at a crucial stage and never asked for the money back. That was his nature — helping students reach greater heights scientifically, financially, and humanly.”
Many of his students experienced similar acts of silent generosity. He believed education was not merely about degrees or careers, but about enabling individuals to grow with confidence, dignity, and purpose.
Dr Swamy beautifully summarizes the essence of his mentor through what he calls the “5 C’s of Prof. Devegowda”:
- Clarity in thinking
- Can-do attitude
- Communication skills
- Competitiveness
- Caring nature
These qualities not only defined Prof. Devegowda as a teacher and scientist, but also made him a transformative mentor whose influence extended far beyond classrooms and laboratories.
Dr Swamy Haladi further reflects:
“He taught us to think beyond textbooks, dream big, and stay connected to real industry challenges.”
For Dr MVLN Raju, Prof. Devegowda’s mentorship extended far beyond academics:
“His gentleness, patience, politeness, and communication skills shaped not just my research career, but also the way I approach life and people.”
He guided students not only academically, but through every major phase of life — career decisions, higher education, marriage, family, health, and personal growth. Many of his students today openly acknowledge that whatever they have achieved professionally and personally is deeply rooted in his mentorship.
Dr Krishnamurthy TN, now leading the same department once led by Prof. Devegowda, shares emotionally:
“Sitting on the same chair where he once sat feels like the greatest blessing of my life.”
Several of his students today lead academic departments, research institutions, multinational companies, feed industries, and poultry enterprises — carrying forward the values he instilled in them.
Silent Lessons in Discipline and Excellence
Prof. Devegowda had a remarkable way of teaching values without harshness.
Dr Pattabhirama recalls one unforgettable incident:
“Once Professor entered the laboratory, gently ran his finger over a dusty table, and quietly walked away without uttering a word. That silent gesture taught us discipline, cleanliness, and perfection more effectively than any lecture.”
At the same time, he strongly believed in encouraging students and appreciating even the smallest sincere effort.
One of the most defining stories comes from Dr Aravind.
“He believed in us before we believed in ourselves.” — Dr Aravind
One defining moment remained etched in his memory forever. During his student days, Dr Aravind had been suspended from the hostel following a disciplinary issue, just a day before a major scholarship interview. Expecting anger and disappointment, he approached Prof. Devegowda.
Instead of scolding him, the professor quietly ensured he attended the interview.
“He gave me belief, direction, and confidence when I had almost lost faith in myself.”
Years later, Prof. Devegowda continued guiding him through career decisions, family life, and personal struggles — remaining a mentor far beyond academics.
His philosophy was simple: hard work, humility, and consistency ultimately create excellence.
The Scientist Who Bridged Research and Reality
Prof. Devegowda’s scientific contributions transformed India’s poultry and feed sectors. His pioneering research in mycotoxins and enzyme applications provided practical and cost-effective solutions that benefited farmers and feed manufacturers across the country.
Dr MVLN Raju recalls proudly:
“The mycotoxin research conducted under his guidance gained international recognition, with one of our research papers receiving more than 600 citations globally.”
Dr Manju highlights his practical approach toward research:
“He constantly encouraged research that could directly solve industry challenges and improve field-level practices.”
During the 1990s and early 2000s, when mycotoxin contamination emerged as a major challenge for poultry production, his work on mitigation strategies became a landmark contribution to the industry. He also played a significant role in advancing enzyme technology, alternative feed resources, and practical poultry nutrition.
Dr Swamy, who later continued work in mycotoxins globally, reflects:
“That ability to bring the lab to the field defined his life’s work.”
What made him exceptional was his commitment to field applicability. He firmly believed research should benefit farmers directly. Whether it was enzymes, unconventional feed ingredients, probiotics, prebiotics, or alternative protein and energy sources, he constantly encouraged research that could solve real-world industry challenges.
He also played a crucial role in promoting chicken meat and eggs as affordable, high-quality protein sources essential for India’s nutritional security. Through scientific awareness campaigns, media outreach, and public engagement, he consistently worked to counter myths surrounding poultry consumption.
Though rooted in academia, he became one of the strongest ambassadors for India’s poultry industry — connecting scientists, farmers, policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers alike.
Championing Farmers, Nutrition, and Rural Livelihoods
Prof. Devegowda’s vision extended beyond commercial poultry farming. He was deeply committed to improving the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers through backyard poultry development.
He contributed significantly to the development and promotion of rural poultry breeds such as Giriraja and Swarnadhara, which helped rural households generate sustainable income and nutritional security.
Dr Manju remembers:
“He always believed poultry could transform rural livelihoods and teach young professionals to embrace challenges instead of remaining confined to comfort zones.”
He believed poultry could become a powerful tool against malnutrition and rural poverty. His persistent efforts in promoting egg consumption also played an important role in strengthening egg inclusion in government mid-day meal programs, helping millions of children gain access to affordable nutrition.
Students affectionately remember how neighborhood children called him “Egg Uncle” because of his constant advocacy for egg and poultry nutrition.
Compassion Beyond the Classroom
Beyond science and leadership, what touched people most deeply was Prof. Devegowda’s compassion.
Dr Krishnamurthy shares one particularly moving memory:
“Even while traveling internationally, he would carefully arrange daily food portions for a dog named Kariya and upon returning home, would first ask about Kariya before entering the department.”
That compassion extended equally toward students, support staff, industry professionals, and farmers.
Dr Pattabhirama beautifully summarizes:
“He brought respect and dignity to poultry veterinarians in the country.”
The Legacy of a “Pitamaha”
Today, Prof. Devegowda is remembered by many as the “Pitamaha of Poultry Science” in India — a title earned through decades of selfless service to science, education, farming communities, and the poultry industry.
His legacy is not confined to awards, fellowships, scientific publications, or institutional achievements. It lives on through the countless students he mentored, the farmers he empowered, the research he inspired, and the humane values he embodied.
To his students, he was like a giant tree under whose shade generations found direction, encouragement, and strength before taking flight on their own journeys.
Dr Swamy perhaps summarizes it best:
“In life, we meet many people, but only a rare few truly shape who we become. Prof. Devegowda was one of those rare gems — a mentor who combined scientific excellence with compassion, discipline with humility, and leadership with genuine care for people.”
We lost Prof. Devegowda in his physical form, but his eternal presence will always remain with the poultry fraternity — guiding students, researchers, farmers, academicians, and industry professionals alike.
Through this tribute, Think Grain Think Feed humbly attempted to honour a legend whose knowledge, simplicity, and warmth touched countless lives. Personally, I had the privilege of inviting him to several conferences, where he would always arrive before schedule, quietly deliver impactful presentations, and leave for his next journey with the same humility that defined his life. Interestingly, every aspect of his travel — from airport pickup to accommodation arrangements — was lovingly managed by his students, reflecting the extraordinary bond he shared with them.
This tribute brings together memories from only a few of his students, each of whom saw him not merely as a professor, but as a father figure who stood beside them throughout their lives. He treated industrialists, academicians, farmers, students, young entrepreneurs, and support staff with the same warmth and dignity.
The vacuum created by his loss can never truly be filled. But perhaps the greatest way to honour him is to carry forward his legacy — through integrity, compassion, discipline, scientific excellence, and service to society.
And perhaps that is the greatest tribute any teacher can receive — to continue living in the thoughts, values, and actions of the people he shaped.
