The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) organized the “Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 27th February 2025. As a statutory body under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, AWBI is dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
The event was attended by Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, along with senior officials, including Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of Animal Husbandry Department, and Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner and Chairman of AWBI.
During the event, four significant books were released to aid in the effective implementation of animal welfare laws in India. These include the Handbook for Veterinary Officers on Animal Welfare Laws, Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws, Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local Bodies, and the Revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) module aimed at managing street dog populations and eradicating rabies. These resources are intended to support veterinarians, policymakers, and field officials in ensuring effective animal welfare practices.
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel emphasized the Indian cultural philosophy of “Vasudev Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), stressing the need for compassion toward animals. He highlighted the importance of the ongoing livestock census for better policy formulation and resource allocation for animal welfare. He also called for parents to nurture empathy in children towards animals to create a more compassionate society. Prof. Baghel paid tribute to Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, whose advocacy led to the enactment of the PCA Act in 1960.
George Kurian praised animal welfare advocates for promoting kindness and compassion in society. Alka Upadhyaya highlighted the critical role of state governments and local bodies in raising awareness about animal welfare and emphasized the need for policy-level changes to prevent animal cruelty. She also underscored the importance of “One Health” in preventing zoonotic diseases post-Covid-19. Dr. Abhijit Mitra stressed the necessity of investing in animal health due to the zoonotic origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Anant Ambani’s Vantara received the “Prani Mitra” National Award in the Corporate category for its exceptional contribution to animal welfare. The award was given to the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, an initiative of Vantara, dedicated to rescuing, treating, and providing lifelong care to elephants. The award was presented by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying during the ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan.
Vantara's state-of-the-art Elephant Care Centre offers a safe, chain-free, and enriched environment for over 240 rescued elephants. The facility is home to 30 elephants rescued from circuses, more than 100 elephants saved from the timber industry, and others rescued from exploitative practices such as street begging and ride-hailing. These elephants now receive world-class veterinary care, reflecting Vantara’s commitment to animal welfare.
The “Prani Mitra Awards” also recognized other individuals and organizations in five categories: Advocacy to Akhil Jain (Raipur, Chhattisgarh), Innovative Idea to Ramesh Bhai Veljibhai Ruparelia (Gondal, Gujarat), Life Time Animal Service to Harnarayan Soni (Osiyan, Jodhpur, Rajasthan), and Animal Welfare Organization to Sri Sri 1008 Sriram Ratandasji Vaishanav Go Sewa Samiti (Karahdham, Morena, Madhya Pradesh).
The “Jeev Daya Awards” were conferred under three categories: Individual to Ms. Nisha Subramanian Kunju (Mumbai, Maharashtra), Animal Welfare Organization to Bhagwan Mahavir Pashu Raksha Kendra (Kutch, Gujarat), and Schools/Institutions/Teachers/Children to Master Chaitanya M Saxena (Jaipur, Rajasthan) and Master Aadi Shah (Mumbai, Maharashtra).
These awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting kindness and compassion toward animals.
