Transcriber: Sarah M Reviewer: Maurício Kakuei Tanaka
Let me just start by saying how ecstatic I am to be here
and share with you my idea.
I grew up watching TED-Ed videos, and it’s an honor to be here today.
But I think I’m getting a little off track here.
Let me introduce myself.
My name is Aidan Saikia.
I’m 13 years old
at The British School New Delhi.
My love for animals started early.
My mom tells me that when I was in grade one,
I proclaimed that I would be a marine biologist.
I grew up admiring David Attenborough and Jacques Cousteau,
and that passion still continues.
When I was about seven, I started to learn how to code.
This has given me great insights
into the digital and automation revolutions
happening all around us.
My hope is that sometime in the near future,
I’m able to combine my passions
and create something that has an impact on this world.
Now, let’s talk about Vets for Pets.
But first, I have a question for you.
In the past two years, have you, a family member, or close friend
needed medical assistance,
and you were able to connect with your doctor virtually
for a prescription and prognosis using an online platform?
In fact, there was a 500% rise in teleconsultation during the pandemic.
It's amazing to me how so many people, regardless of demographic,
were able to get used to the idea of online appointments
at the ease and accessibility of such platforms as Zoom or WhatsApp.
Now, let’s look at another scenario.
This time, you think your pet may have eaten something dangerous,
but you’re not sure you can get a normal vet in time,
or it just seems low.
That doesn’t warrant a trip to the doctor.
What option do you have?
Google? WebMD?
I want to tell you something that happened to me.
I lost Specter last year.
I had woken up one morning
and noticed that my pet turtle was moving very slowly.
I was concerned by this,
and unfortunately, my parents were at work,
and my regular vet was not reachable at the moment.
I tried to bring him in the sun and give him his favorite food,
and as most of us do, checked on Google, YouTube, etc. to try and find a solution.
Unfortunately, by the time we were able to contact the vet and get an appointment,
it was too late.
This incident made me curious.
Couldn’t we emergency call a doctor
instead of having to rely on Google for answers?
Upon that, my 13-year-old golden retriever needed geriatric care.
But unfortunately, regular vet visits became difficult in the end,
when he needed to be carried to the car.
These experiences are what inspired me to create a solution.
Now, you may say, “Aidan, your situation may be unique,
and there may not be as many others in a situation like yours,”
or “I’m not a pet owner.
How does this concern me?”
That’s okay.
But according to a study by Statista research,
there are 840 million dogs and cats kept as pets worldwide.
This doesn’t even include the fish, turtles, hamsters, gerbils.
I can go on,
but I think I’ve made my point.
Talking about the number of pets globally, let’s focus on my home, India.
Another study by Statista research
shows that in 2019,
there were 21.42 million dogs kept as pets,
and by 2023, this number will be 31.4.
The Veterinary Council of India says there are 63,000 registered veterinarians.
This means that the ratio of vets to pets is 1 to 341.
And when you consider India’s cattle population of 300 million,
you can imagine the deficit.
I aim to change that.
While there are many startups and small businesses
focused on pet grooming and pet accessories,
which remain the most profitable part of the pet care industry,
I was surprised to see
there really weren’t any nationwide online platforms
dedicated to easing the accessibility of quality pet care.
I’m proud to present Vets for Pets,
an online nationwide platform
that will allow veterinarians and pet parents
to connect and consult virtually with folks
on accessibility and affordability of quality pet care.
Good health care must be accessible and affordable,
whether you live in a fancy city or some remote town.
This small easily executable idea
could change the lives of our pets forever.
I have been taught to believe that no matter how big or small,
any idea can spark a fire.
Who knows, Vets for Pets India may become a pilot model
for other young entrepreneurs such as myself to put their own spin on.
As Neil Armstrong once famously said,
“One small step for man,
one giant leap for mankind,”
or animal-kind.
Thank you.
And I hope you stay safe and healthy.