India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a major milestone for animal welfare, Anant Ambani’s Vantara has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Prani Mitra’ National Award in the Corporate category by the Government of India. This highly coveted award recognizes outstanding contributions to animal welfare, and Vantara’s efforts in safeguarding and caring for elephants have earned it this national honor. The award was presented during a special ceremony in New Delhi, with key dignitaries in attendance, including Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, alongside senior officials such as Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, and Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner and Chairman of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
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Vantara’s success is largely attributed to its work through the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), an organisation dedicated to elephant rescue and care. The trust has been instrumental in rescuing elephants from circuses, the logging industry, and exploitative practices like street begging, providing them with a safe haven and expert care. The Elephant Care Centre at Vantara, which spans 998 acres of specially designed forest, is home to over 240 rescued elephants, offering them an environment where they can roam freely, socialise, and engage in natural behaviours like foraging and bathing. During the award ceremony, four significant publications were released to further the cause of animal welfare in India. These included the Handbook for Veterinary Officers on Animal Welfare Laws; the Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws; the Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local Bodies; and the Revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) Module, which aims to help manage street dog populations and control rabies.
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These resources are designed to assist veterinarians, policymakers, and field officers in the effective implementation of animal welfare laws across the country. The ‘Prani Mitra’ Award in the Corporate category specifically recognises organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to animal welfare, particularly through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The award highlights Vantara’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of animals and advancing India’s biodiversity. Vantara’s Elephant Care Centre, a leading example of ethical and compassionate elephant management, is equipped with the world’s largest elephant hospital. The hospital offers cutting-edge veterinary care, including allopathic treatments, Ayurveda, and acupuncture. Additionally, the centre boasts advanced facilities such as a hydrotherapy pond, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and specialized foot care services.
In his address at the ceremony, Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara, expressed his gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed Vantara’s commitment to animal welfare. “This award is a tribute to the countless individuals who have devoted their lives to protecting and caring for India’s animals. At Vantara, serving animals is not just a duty – it is our dharma and seva, a commitment deeply rooted in compassion and responsibility,” Karani remarked. He also stressed Vantara’s ongoing mission to raise welfare standards, support impactful initiatives, and protect India’s diverse wildlife for future generations. Vantara’s commitment to elephant care extends beyond its Elephant Care Centre. The organization operates a fleet of 75 custom-engineered elephant ambulances, designed with hydraulic lifts, comfortable flooring, and other features that ensure the safe and stress-free transport of rescued elephants. These ambulances play a critical role in Vantara’s rescue operations, allowing them to quickly and efficiently respond to elephants in need of urgent care.
Launched in February 2024 by Anant Ambani, Vantara covers a sprawling 3,000-acre animal shelter located in the ‘Green Belt’ of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat. The shelter, which is named after the Hindi word for “star of the forest,” reflects Vantara’s vision to be a guiding light for animal welfare in India. Vantara’s work has set new benchmarks in ethical elephant management, establishing it as a leader in the field of animal welfare and veterinary excellence. Through its innovative initiatives, Vantara is not only making a profound impact on the lives of elephants but also setting a new standard for animal welfare organizations across the country. With its comprehensive approach to rescue, rehabilitation, and care, Vantara is paving the way for a future where animals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
