Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony 2025: Recognizing Excellence in Animal Welfare

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory body under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, organized the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony on 27th February 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, 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:

1. Handbook for Veterinary Officers on Animal Welfare Laws – A detailed guide for veterinary professionals on legal aspects and responsibilities concerning animal welfare.
2. Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws – A reference book for law enforcement agencies to ensure effective implementation of animal welfare regulations.
3. Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local Bodies – A guide to help municipal authorities and local governing bodies enforce animal welfare laws more efficiently.
4. Revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) Module – A comprehensive strategy for managing the street dog population, preventing rabies, and reducing man-dog conflict.

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

About Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Awards

Prani Mitra Award

The Prani Mitra Award was first introduced in 1966 to honor individuals for their exceptional contribution to animal welfare and protection. Over the years, the scope of the award has expanded to include organizations as well. Since its inception, 54 individuals have received this prestigious 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 and Jeev Daya Awards 2025 – Key Highlights

Category	Details
Why in News?	The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) organized the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony on 27th February 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, to honor contributions in animal welfare.
Organized by	Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Key Attendees	Union Ministers, senior government officials, state representatives, and animal welfare advocates
AWBI’s Role	Established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, ensuring animal protection and welfare