EIACP RP (MoEF & CC) and Nature Club of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham organized an award function to honor and felicitate women who have been in the forefront of animal rescue. The Award is named as Animal Rescue Warrior Award. Nine awardees from different walks of life ranging from corporate sector, NGO, retired professors, housewives to housekeeping and domestic helpers were identified and honored.

Prof. C Parameswaran, Principal Director of Corporate Industrial Relations at AVV and an ardent animal lover was the chief guest. He emphasized the need for a safe society for animals to live coexist with nature. This award is one of a kind to honor women working for animal welfare. The program was coordinated by Dr. Maya Mahajan, Coordinator of EIACP RP at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

The Animal Rescue warriors have done tremendous service for the welfare of animals. All have taken so much initiatives in their capacity at the personal level to make a positive impact in the lives of stray animals. Ms. Nalini emphasized the need for proper awareness in educational institutions about co-existing with stray animals in the society and the importance of Animal Birth Control for stray animals.

Dr. Maya Mahajan spoke about the various initiatives taken by the club in feeding campus animals on a weekly basis and vaccination of campus animals from time to time. She shared her experience of fostering nearly 30 puppies in her locality during lockdown. She also spoke about her initiatives she has taken to adopt and foster Tuffy, an abandoned dog who was fostered by the members of AAWS.

Ms. Prema, a house keeping staff at the university took initiative to feed Tuffy during her initial days when she came to campus abandoned. Tuffy recognizes her even today. During the program we also awarded Mr. Mahesh, Manager at Estate office for his support to AAWS and their initiatives.

Other award winners include Ms. Bhagyalakshmi , Ms. Dhanalakshmi , Ms. Vinita Chopra , Ms. Nalini, Ms. Ambika, Ms. Dhanalakshmi and Ms. Prema. Each of them have contributed immensely for the welfare of stray animals.

The program was followed by Award winning movie screening Elephant Whisperers. The program was graced by Dr. Sankaran, Registrar, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. More than 300 students joined the program and it was a successful initiative by the Nature club. Students were encouraged to take initiative for the animals in their surroundings.

The students enjoyed watching the movie and were enthralled by the Oscar winning movie “Elephant Whisperers”.  After the movie screening , we awarded the very active student volunteers of Amrita Animal Welfare Society for their love and support for the society’s initiatives.