On 27 February 2025, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) conferred the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony, held in New Delhi, Delhi. AWBI was established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act of 1960 to ensure that animals are not subjected to undue pain or suffering.
- This event aims to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to animal welfare and protection.
Key People:
The event was graced by Union Ministers of State, S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), and Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department (AHD), Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner and Chairman, AWBI along with senior officials of the ministry and representatives from state governments were also attended the occasion.
About Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Awards:
i.The awards will be presented under two major categories: Prani Mitra Award and Jeev Daya Award.
- The Prani Mitra Award was introduced in 1966 and the Jeev Daya Award in 2001.
ii.The Prani Mitra Award will be presented under five sub-categories, namely Advocacy (Individual), Innovative Idea (Individual), Lifetime Animal Service (Individual), along with two awards each for Animal Welfare Organizations and for Corporate, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Government Bodies, or Cooperatives.
iii.The Jeev Daya Award will be presented in three sub-categories: Individual, Animal Welfare Organization, and for either Schools, Institutions, Teachers, or Children.
List of Awardees:
Prani Mitra Award:
| Category | Awardee | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Advocacy – Individual | Akhil Jain | Raipur, Chhattisgarh |
| Innovative Idea – Individual | Ramesh Bhai Veljibhai Ruparelia | Gondal, Gujarat |
| Lifetime Animal Service – Individual | Harnarayan Soni | Jodhpur, Rajasthan |
| Animal Welfare Organisation (AWO) | Sri Sri 1008 Sriram Ratandasji Vaishanav Go Sewa Samiti | Morena, Madhya Pradesh |
| Corporate / PSUs / Government bodies / Cooperatives | Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust | Jamnagar, Gujarat |
Jeev Daya Award:
| Category | Awardee | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Nisha Subramanian Kunju | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Animal Welfare Organisation (AWO) | Bhagwan Mahavir Pashu Raksha Kendra | Kutch, Gujarat |
| Schools/ Institutions/ Teachers/ Children (below the age of 18 years) | Master Chaitanya M Saxena | Jaipur, Rajasthan |
| Master Aadi Shah | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Release of Four Key Handbooks for Strengthening Animal Welfare Laws and Policies
i.During the ceremony, four important books for effective implementation of rules and guidelines for animal welfare in India were released. These include,
- Handbook for Veterinary Officers on Animal Welfare Laws
- Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws
- Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local Bodies
- Revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) module for Street Dogs Population management, rabies eradication and reducing man-dog conflict.
ii.These books will serve as vital tools for veterinarians, policymakers and field authorities seeking to ensure quick and effective responses for animal welfare.
