New Delhi: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory body under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, hosted the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital. The event celebrated the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to animal welfare, conservation, and advocacy.
Union Ministers Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, along with Secretary of Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) Alka Upadhyaya and AWBI Chairman Dr. Abhijit Mitra, graced the occasion, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring ethical treatment and protection of animals.
During the event, four significant books aimed at strengthening animal welfare laws and policies were launched. These included the Handbook for Veterinary Officers on Animal Welfare Laws, Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare, Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local Bodies, and the Revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) module designed to manage stray dog populations, prevent rabies, and reduce human-animal conflicts.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Baghel invoked the philosophy of Vasudev Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and emphasized that India’s cultural heritage encourages compassion toward animals. He highlighted the ongoing livestock census, which will help shape effective policies and allocate funds for animal welfare programs. He also called for early education on animal sensitivity, urging parents to instill values of kindness and empathy in children.
Union Minister George Kurian echoed similar sentiments, applauding the efforts of animal welfare activists and organizations working relentlessly to protect animals and promote coexistence.
Alka Upadhyaya emphasized the need for greater awareness and proactive policies to reduce animal cruelty. She stressed the importance of One Health, especially post the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for preemptive control of zoonotic diseases. She also underscored the role of local bodies and state governments in improving animal welfare and advocated for better travel regulations for animals to ensure humane transportation.
AWBI Chairman Dr. Abhijit Mitra addressed the crucial role of investing in animal health, given that many global pandemics have originated from animals. He emphasized the urgent need to address the stray animal crisis and promote a harmonious human-animal coexistence.
Recognizing Champions of Animal Welfare
The Prani Mitra Awards were presented to individuals and organizations under five categories:
- Advocacy – Individual: Akhil Jain, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
- Innovative Idea – Individual: Ramesh Bhai Veljibhai Ruparelia, Gondal, Gujarat
- Lifetime Animal Service – Individual: Harnarayan Soni, Osiyan, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Animal Welfare Organization (AWO): Sri Sri 1008 Sriram Ratandasji Vaishnav Go Sewa Samiti, Karahdham, Morena, Madhya Pradesh
- Corporate / PSUs / Government Bodies / Cooperatives: Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, Jamnagar, Gujarat
The Jeev Daya Award, recognizing contributions to animal compassion and protection, was conferred in three categories:
- Individual: Nisha Subramanian Kunju, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Animal Welfare Organization: Bhagwan Mahavir Pashu Raksha Kendra, Kutch, Gujarat
- Schools/Institutions/Teachers/Children: Master Chaitanya M. Saxena, Jaipur, Rajasthan & Master Aadi Shah, Mumbai, Maharashtra
The event underscored India’s growing focus on ethical treatment of animals, conservation efforts, and sustainable coexistence. With increased policy interventions and grassroots activism, the government and civil society aim to ensure a more compassionate and cruelty-free future for all animals.