The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is all set to host its prestigious Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 27 February 2025. The event will bring together prominent figures from the animal welfare sector, including Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian. The ceremony will also witness the presence of Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner and Chairman of AWBI, alongside representatives from State Animal Welfare Boards, District Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs), Gau Seva Aayogs, animal lovers, and welfare organisations.
Celebrating Champions of Animal Welfare
The awards will be presented under two main categories: Prani Mitra Award and Jeev Daya Award, each acknowledging excellence in different facets of animal welfare and protection.
The Prani Mitra Award will honour contributions in the following sub-categories:
- Advocacy (Individual): Recognising voices that advocate for animal rights and welfare.
- Innovative Idea (Individual): Celebrating creative and effective solutions for animal welfare.
- Lifetime Animal Service (Individual): Acknowledging lifelong dedication to animal protection.
- Animal Welfare Organisations (Two Awards): For non-profits driving positive change in animal welfare.
- Corporate, PSUs, Government Bodies, or Co-operatives (Two Awards): Highlighting institutional contributions to the cause.
The Jeev Daya Award will be presented in three sub-categories:
- Individual: For personal efforts in promoting kindness towards animals.
- Animal Welfare Organisation: Honouring organisations with exceptional impact.
- Schools, Institutions, Teachers, or Children: Encouraging educational institutions and young champions advocating for animal compassion.
Promoting a Humane Society
The AWBI aims to shine a spotlight on the remarkable efforts of individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond to protect and care for animals. By recognising these champions, the board hopes to inspire broader societal awareness and instil a culture of kindness and compassion towards animals.
This initiative is part of a broader mission to foster a humane society where animals are treated with respect and empathy. Through the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Awards, the AWBI is not only celebrating contributions to animal welfare but also promoting the message that every act of kindness towards animals contributes to a better world.
About Animal Welfare Board of India
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. As a statutory body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, AWBI plays a pivotal role in promoting animal welfare and preventing cruelty to animals across the country. The Board advises both State and Central Governments on animal welfare issues, including addressing cruelty complaints and ensuring enforcement of relevant laws.
Over its 63 years of service, AWBI has expanded its activities nationwide, including remote rural areas. The Board is deeply involved in humane education, awareness programmes, and supporting recognised Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs). It also collaborates with state governments to establish functional Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) and robust State Animal Welfare Boards (SAWBs) to strengthen the implementation of animal welfare laws. The AWBI’s initiatives aim to create a compassionate society that ensures the well-being and humane treatment of animals.
