Prabha Khaitan Foundation and WWF-India to Present Machhli and Vanya Prani Mitra Awards in Jaipur
The sixth edition of the Machhli and Vanya Prani Mitra Awards is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 23, at the ITC Rajputana Hotel in Jaipur. This annual event is a collaborative effort between the Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF) and WWF-India, aimed at recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to wildlife conservation and the management of human-wildlife conflicts.
Honoring Unsung Heroes of Conservation
Sundeep Bhutoria, the Managing Trustee of Prabha Khaitan Foundation, emphasized the importance of individual efforts in conservation. He stated, "True conservation lies not just in policies, but in the sustained efforts of individuals who selflessly work to protect our natural heritage. Through these awards, we seek to honor these unsung heroes whose courage, commitment, and compassion ensure a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Our partnership with WWF-India reflects a shared vision to recognize and encourage such impactful work across the country."
Recognition for Field Staff and Conservationists
Dr. Dipankar Ghosh, Senior Director of Biodiversity Conservation at WWF-India, highlighted the role of the awards in motivating field staff. He said, "These awards honor the champions who play an exemplary role in preserving India's wildlife. We thank the Prabha Khaitan Foundation for their partnership. This recognition will inspire the field staff of the Rajasthan Forest Department to continue their crucial work in protecting and conserving the state's wildlife and habitats."
Arijit Banerjee, Head of Forest Force (HOFF) in Rajasthan, added, "The dedication and courage of our field staff and conservationists form the backbone of wildlife protection in the state. Recognitions like these awards not only honor their tireless efforts but also inspire others to work towards safeguarding our forests and fostering harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife. Kudos to PKF and WWF-India for this commendable initiative."
Award Details and Prize Money
The awards feature two categories with substantial prize money:
- Under the Machhli Award category, a total prize money of INR 2.5 lakh will be equally distributed among four winners.
- Under the Vanya Prani Mitra Award category, 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 a total prize money of approximately INR 10 lakh for awards in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. This year, the awards ceremony will be held in both states, underscoring the initiative's broader impact on wildlife conservation efforts across regions.
