Mr Pradeep Kumar Nath receives the Shining World Compassion Award.
We at VSPCA are delighted to share the news that our Founder/President Mr. Pradeep Kumar Nath won the “Shining World Compassion Award” by the Supreme Master Ching Hai in November 2020.
Pradeep Kumar Nath: Compassionate Protector for all Animals
As a child, Pradeep Kumar Nath of India loved stray animals and would often bring them home. This compassionate tendency stayed with him as he passed through adolescence and later went to college. Even while he was earning his bachelor’s degree in law at Andhra University in his native city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh state, he pondered dedicating his life to animal rescue work. But in the mid-1990s, Visakhapatnam adopted a policy of putting down stray dogs and pigs. This was something Mr. Nath could not tolerate, and so he formed a nonprofit organization in 1996 that became Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA).
With his background in law, he filed a complaint in 1997 with the Animal Welfare Board about the city’s killing of pigs. In 1998, he petitioned the Andhra Pradesh High Court to stop the killing of stray dogs. The court sided with Mr. Nath and authorized VSPCA to coordinate an Animal Birth Control program in Visakhapatnam. Since then, more than 100,000 dogs have been neutered and vaccinated, and an ongoing information campaign has raised public awareness of the efficacy of this approach to reducing the street dog population.
Mr. Nath’s dedication to animal welfare began to attract the encouragement and support of generous individuals and foundations. He founded a sanctuary called The Eden of Love and Compassion that is home to hundreds of large and small rescued animals. The shelter has evolved to include specialized areas for birds, cats, cows, dogs, mongooses, monkeys, and star tortoises.
In 2000, VSPCA started working with the Forest Department to inform people and maintain the environment so that the birds can arrive safely and enjoy a peaceful stay. Since then, poaching has diminished, and the size of the flocks has increased.
Mr. Philip Wollen’s Winsome Constance Kindness Trust in Australia has been sponsoring VSPCA’s Kindness Mobile Restaurant since its inception in 2010. The idea is to prepare vegan food three days a week for some of the most indigent people in Visakhapatnam who care for a dog.
Supreme Master Ching Hai:
“Joyfully present the Shining World Compassion Award to Pradeep Kumar Nath, with a humble contribution of US$10,000 to support the Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals, with love, praises and best wishes. May God always bless you and all involved abundantly.”
You can have a look at the video here
The Award Letter
Dear Shri Pradeep Kumar Nath,
It is with great admiration and gratitude that we present to you the “Shining World Compassion Award” for nurturing a society which protects and lovingly cares for farm, domestic and wild animals. Since the mid-1990s you’ve been prolific in saving animals through the legal system, establishing sanctuaries, promoting veganism and advocating for empathy though education. We humbly present this award in recognition of your vast unconditional love for all life, and for your untiring commitment to create a kinder and more just culture.
You founded the Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA) in 1996 as a vehicle to foster change and establish rights of voiceless animals. A court victory in 1998 began your mission of mercy, since then, more than 100,000 dogs have been neutered and vaccinated, and an ongoing information campaign has raised public awareness of the efficacy of this approach to reducing the street dog population. Next came a sanctuary called The Eden of Love and Compassion that is home to hundreds of large and small rescued animals including cows, bulls, water buffaloes, with specialized areas for birds, cats, cows, dogs, mongooses, monkeys and star tortoises. Your love has attracted a plethora of saints including the esteemed Mr. Philip Wollen, whom have helped you to create a new refugee called Kindness Farm – a place for animals in distress and a plantation for growing a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables.
We are honoured and privileged to praise the exceptionally compassionate deeds of Pradeep Kumar Nath, for selflessly devoting your life as a powerful voice for our precious animal co-inhabitants. You have made a difference to countless innocent beings, and your benevolence and wisdom have exemplified sainthood. Thank you, and may the Lord always bless you and all involved abundantly.
In Gods Immense Blessings, Protection and Merciful Love
Supreme Master Ching Hai
You can find the award letter in pdf format here.