Defending the Defenseless: The Legacy of H.E. Maneka Gandhi

Hosts: Sveta and Ben Banerjee
Topic: Defending the Defenseless: The Legacy of H.E. Maneka Gandhi
Guest: The longest-serving member of the Indian Parliament and chairperson of People for Animals, H.E. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi

H.E. Gandhi has been a trailblazer in India's animal welfare movement. She established the country's first animal shelter in 1980 and has been instrumental in creating a network of shelters across the nation. Through her efforts, anti-rabies programs have been launched and the inhumane practice of killing dogs to control their population has been banned. Gandhi's work has resulted in several cities becoming rabies-free and she has made it a priority to educate the public on animal welfare laws through her travels. She is also sought after by municipalities for her expertise in animal management. In addition to her shelter work, Gandhi has been a strong advocate for environmental awareness, animal rights legislation, vegetarianism, and the end of various forms of animal cruelty. Her contributions have inspired millions and brought about a shift in how animals are treated in India.