Javed Iqbal Shah receives lifetime achievement award for animal welfare

New Delhi, Oct 7: Eminent political analyst Javed Iqbal Shah from Jammu and Kashmir has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contribution to animal welfare during a national ceremony held in the capital  to mark World Animal Day.

The event, organised by the Mercie Animal Welfare Foundation, took place at the India International Centre and was presided over by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S P Singh Baghel. Prominent Jain monk Acharya Lokesh Muni attended as the chief guest, alongside several leading figures from the field of animal welfare.

Presenting the award, Minister Baghel lauded Shah for his “fearless efforts to alleviate animal cruelty” and for his “pioneering role in institutionalising animal birth control initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.”

The foundation’s chairperson Barkha Pincha, who conceptualised the awards, said the ceremony was aimed at recognising “individuals and organisations that have demonstrated long-term commitment to compassion, care, and humane treatment of animals.”

Shah, known for his advocacy on animal rights alongside his analytical work in politics, was among several honourees recognised for lifetime dedication to animal welfare. Other recipients included Anjali Gopalan, Geeta Seshamani, and Ambika Shukla, all of whom have made significant contributions to animal care and protection across India. The event formed part of the Union Government’s broader initiative to promote awareness and compassion towards animals and to highlight the role of civil society in advancing humane practices nationwide.