Prabha Khaitan Foundation and WWF-India to Present Machhli and Vanya Prani Mitra Awards in Jaipur
Jaipur, Rajasthan – In a significant move to honor wildlife conservation efforts, the Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF) and WWF-India are set to jointly present the sixth edition of the 'Machhli & Vanya Prani Mitra Awards' in Jaipur. The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, March 23, at the ITC Rajputana Hotel, marking an annual initiative that celebrates individuals making remarkable contributions to wildlife conservation and human-wildlife conflict management.
Recognizing Unsung Heroes of Conservation
Sundeep Bhutoria, Managing Trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts in conservation. "True conservation lies not just in policies, but in the sustained efforts of individuals who selflessly work to protect our natural heritage," he stated. "Through these awards, we aim to honor these unsung heroes whose courage, commitment, and compassion ensure harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Our partnership with WWF-India reflects a shared vision to encourage such impactful work nationwide."
Dr. Dipankar Ghosh, Senior Director of Biodiversity Conservation at WWF-India, added, "These awards celebrate champions who play an exemplary role in preserving India's wildlife. We thank the Prabha Khaitan Foundation for their collaboration. This recognition will inspire field staff of the Rajasthan Forest Department to continue their crucial work in protecting the state's wildlife and habitats."
Support from State Authorities
Arijit Banerjee, Head of Forest Force (HOFF) in Rajasthan, praised the initiative, noting that the dedication of field staff and conservationists is vital for wildlife protection. "Recognitions like these not only honor their tireless efforts but also inspire others to safeguard our forests and foster harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife," he said. "Kudos to PKF and WWF-India for this commendable effort."
Award Details and Prize Money
The awards feature two categories with substantial prize money:
- Machhli Award: A total prize of INR 2.5 lakh will be equally distributed among four winners.
- Vanya Prani Mitra Award: A total of INR 1.5 lakh will be equally shared among three winners.
All awardees will also receive certificates of appreciation. The Prabha Khaitan Foundation has allocated approximately INR 10 lakh in prize money for awards in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, with ceremonies planned in both states this year.
This event underscores the ongoing commitment of PKF and WWF-India to promote wildlife conservation and recognize the efforts of individuals working on the front lines to protect India's natural heritage.
