On World Animal Day, Anant M Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited and founder of Vantara, launched Champions of Care, an initiative aimed at supporting community animal welfare efforts across India through long-term assistance to local organisations.

The initiative brings together more than 50 animal welfare organisations from across India. It aims to support organisations working with street animals such as dogs, cats, working donkeys and horses, and abandoned cattle. It will also provide assistance for veterinary hospitals, mobile rescue units, feeding programmes and rehabilitation efforts. The initiative is expected to reach about two million animals every year.

The announcement followed a two-day meeting at Vantara in Jamnagar, attended by representatives of participating non-profits and eight members of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).

The initiative will provide support to local animal rescue organisations, including medical equipment, ambulances, diagnostic tools and staff training. It will also fund infrastructure upgrades such as solar power systems, rainwater harvesting facilities and designated quarantine areas to support the day-to-day operations of participating organisations.

“Every day, there are countless people who quietly care for animals in need, often with limited resources and little recognition,” said Anant Ambani. “Through Champions of Care, we hope to stand alongside this work, strengthen the care available to community animals, and help build a more compassionate India.”

SP Gupta, a member and former chairman of the AWBI, highlighted Ambani’s focus on listening directly to rescuers to deliver solutions.

The network is designed to keep growing, with plans to bring more animal welfare partners on board in the coming years.

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