ROOTED IN KONGUNADU
Our EROVISION 27 mascot brings a little of Erode’s heart to the conference—a welcome shaped by the land, its people and its cattle traditions.
A FAMILIAR SYMBOL. A MEANINGFUL WELCOME.
With a gentle expression, flower garlands and a richly decorated cloth, Nandu offers a warm introduction to the world of Kongunadu.
The mascot can be read as a tribute to the enduring relationship between people, cattle and the land. Its festive adornments evoke a spirit of celebration, while its calm presence suggests patience, care and quiet strength—qualities we bring to learning, practice and community at EROVISION 27.
These meanings connect the conference’s forward-looking theme, “Ophthalmology… Redefined…”, with the heritage of its host region: moving ahead while staying mindful of the roots that sustain us.
WHY THE COW MATTERS HERE
In Erode and the wider Kongu region, cattle have a place in livelihoods, agricultural history and cultural celebration.
Cows contribute milk and support dairy livelihoods, while working cattle have long been associated with agricultural labour. Their significance is both practical and personal: a connection to the households and farming communities that have shaped the region.
The Kangayam breed, also known as Kongu or Konganad, has historic breeding links to Erode, Perundurai and Bhavani. Bargur cattle are another part of the district’s livestock heritage, associated with its hill ranges. Together, these traditions show the depth of the region’s relationship with native cattle.
Mattu Pongal honours cattle as part of Tamil Nadu’s harvest celebrations. The flowers and festive decorations seen on Nandu echo this expression of gratitude for the animals’ contribution to rural life.