Jamnagar (Gujarat), February 27, 2025: Anant Ambani’s Vantara has been honored with the ‘Prani Mitra’ National Award, India’s highest recognition in animal welfare, under the ‘Corporate’ category by the Government of India. This prestigious award acknowledges the exceptional contributions of the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), an initiative under Vantara, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of elephants.
Setting New Standards in Elephant Welfare
At the heart of this recognition lies Vantara’s world-class Elephant Care Centre, which provides a chain-free, safe, and enriching environment for over 240 rescued elephants. These include:
🔹 30 elephants from circuses
🔹 100+ from the logging industry
🔹 Others rescued from exploitative practices like street begging and tourism rides
Many of these elephants have endured years of neglect and abuse, but at Vantara, they receive state-of-the-art veterinary care, nutritious diets, and a habitat that mirrors their natural environment. Spanning 998 acres of specially designed forest, the centre allows elephants to roam freely, socialize, and engage in natural behaviors, including foraging, mud baths, and swimming in natural ponds.
Award Presented at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
The award was presented at a ceremony in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India.
Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating:
“This award is a tribute to the countless individuals dedicated to protecting India’s animals. At Vantara, serving animals is not just a duty—it is our dharma and seva. We remain committed to elevating welfare standards, driving impactful initiatives, and safeguarding India’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.”
World’s Largest Elephant Hospital: Unparalleled Veterinary Excellence
Vantara’s Elephant Care Centre houses the world’s largest elephant hospital, equipped with cutting-edge medical technology that integrates:
✅ Allopathy with alternative medicine (Ayurveda for chronic disease management, acupuncture for pain relief)
✅ Hydrotherapy ponds with high-pressure water jets for arthritis treatment
✅ Hyperbaric oxygen chamber for advanced wound healing
✅ Specialized foot care facility with dedicated pedicure specialists
✅ Hydraulically operated surgical platform for stress-free procedures
✅ Custom-built endoscope for in-depth internal diagnostics
✅ Largest chain-free musth enclosures for the safe management of bulls during their reproductive cycle
The hospital can treat up to three elephants simultaneously, ensuring efficient and world-class medical care.
Largest Fleet of Elephant Ambulances for Ethical Rescue Operations
Vantara operates the largest fleet of elephant ambulances, with 75 custom-engineered vehicles, each equipped with:
🚛 Hydraulic lifts for easy transport
🚛 Rubber mat flooring for comfort
🚛 Built-in water troughs and showers
🚛 Dedicated caretaker cabins for stress-free journeys
These ambulances enable safe, efficient, and humane rescue operations, reinforcing Vantara’s commitment to ethical elephant management and lifelong care.
A Benchmark in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for Animal Welfare
The Prani Mitra Award in the Corporate category is awarded to organizations that have made consistent contributions to animal welfare over the past five years, including CSR-funded initiatives. Vantara’s recognition under this category highlights its pioneering efforts in ethical animal care, veterinary excellence, and wildlife conservation.
A Historic Achievement in Animal Welfare
With this prestigious national recognition, Vantara continues to set new benchmarks in elephant rescue, rehabilitation, and ethical management. Under Anant Ambani’s leadership, the initiative is shaping the future of animal welfare in India, proving that compassion, innovation, and dedication can create a lasting impact.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.