The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), which operates under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, hosted the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony on February 27, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event was held to honor individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to animal welfare, protection, and compassionate treatment of animals.
The AWBI, established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, plays a crucial role in ensuring that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering. The ceremony was attended by eminent personalities, including Union Ministers of State, senior government officials, representatives from various states, and distinguished animal welfare advocates.
Launch of Key Books on Animal Welfare
The event also marked the launch of four significant books aimed at strengthening the implementation of animal welfare laws and ensuring better awareness among veterinarians, policymakers, and field officials. These books include:
- Handbook for Veterinary Officers on Animal Welfare Laws – A detailed guide for veterinary professionals on legal aspects and responsibilities concerning animal welfare.
- Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws – A reference book for law enforcement agencies to ensure effective implementation of animal welfare regulations.
- Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local Bodies – A guide to help municipal authorities and local governing bodies enforce animal welfare laws more efficiently.
- Revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) Module – A comprehensive strategy for managing the street dog population, preventing rabies, and reducing man-dog conflict.
About Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Awards
Prani Mitra Award
The Prani Mitra Award was launched in 1966 to celebrate individuals for their remarkable contributions to animal welfare and protection. As the years have gone by, the award has also come to recognize organizations. To date, 54 individuals have received this esteemed honor.
Jeev Daya Award
The Jeev Daya Award, established in 2001, recognizes and appreciates the contributions of animal lovers. Since then, 12 individuals and organizations have been conferred with this prestigious award for their work in promoting animal welfare.
Prani Mitra Awards 2025 – Honouring Excellence in Animal Welfare
The Prani Mitra Awards were presented under five categories to individuals and organizations that demonstrated outstanding commitment to animal welfare:
| Category | Awardee | Location |
| Advocacy – Individual | Shri Akhil Jain | Raipur, Chhattisgarh |
| Innovative Idea – Individual | Shri Ramesh Bhai Veljibhai Ruparelia | Gondal, Gujarat |
| Lifetime Animal Service – Individual | Shri 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 |
Jeev Daya Awards 2025 – Recognizing Compassion in Animal Welfare
| Category | Awardee | Location |
| Individual | Ms. Nisha Subramanian Kunju | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Animal Welfare Organization | Bhagwan Mahavir Pashu Raksha Kendra | Kutch, Gujarat |
| Schools/Institutions/Teachers/Children (Below 18 Years) | Master Chaitanya M Saxena | Jaipur, Rajasthan |
| Master Aadi Shah | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
