Some people CALL THEMSELVES animal lovers, and others ARE animal lovers. Gauri Maulekhi falls into the latter category. She is a renowned Animal Welfare Activist in India and one of the world’s most famous female animal activists. Her defense work for those who cannot defend themselves has earned her widespread recognition and made her a favorite of Maneka Gandhi, a Lok Sabha MP, and an animal rights activist.
It’s not enough to love animals; it’s not enough to show outrage on social media. DO SOMETHING ABOUT INJUSTICEÂ
         – Gauri MaulekhiÂ
Gauri has already done so much for the distressed animals in need but still is very much involved with the cause because she believes we must raise our voices for the mute animals in distress.
Gauri Maulekhi Early Life
Born and raised in a business family in Lucknow, Gauri Maulekhi completed her schooling at the Loretto Convent, Lucknow. After that, she earned a BSc and Bachelor in Education from Lucknow University.
Since childhood, she has had a soft corner for street animals. After completing her education, she started working for People for Animals in 1995 as a volunteer and became a protégé of Maneka Gandhi.
Gauri Maulekhi’s Career Background
During her journey as a compassionate animal rights activist, Gauri has helped raise funds for shelters, conducted adoption programs for rehabilitating abandoned dogs, and facilitated the coordination of animal ambulance services for animals in distress. During 2004 – 08, she worked with Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Noida. In 2008, Maulekhi volunteered with Raahat, an animal welfare NGO in Dehradun. In 2012, she set up and became the trustee for People for Animals – Uttrakhand. Gauri also became active with her cause on the international level when she lobbied in Nepal to end the enormous mass religious animal slaughter of the Gadhimai Festival. She has also consulted with Humane Society International, the world`s largest Animal Protection Group.
The ardent animal lover Gauri helped evacuate over 6000 animals during the devastating 2013 North India Flood. It was due to her initiative and efforts that rescue plans now also incorporate consideration of animal welfare. In 2019, Gauri began another campaign to get the government to realize its past commitments to improve animal welfare. She wrote to each state of India regarding the 10-year-old directive to form State Animal Welfare Board. In 2020, she asked India`s Supreme Court to issue a writ to require the same.
Gauri Maulekhi: Awards & Achievements
Her selfless work for the animals in distress has earned Gauri many awards and accolades. Some of them are:
- 2013 – The Government of Uttrakhand facilitated her distinguished service in Animal Protection and Disaster Management during the 2013 Floods.
- 2017 – She won the Lush Prize for her contribution to reducing the unnecessary use of animals in laboratories.
- 2018 – The University of Lucknow awarded her the Distinguished Alumni Award for meritorious work in animal welfare. That same year, she won the Outstanding Animal Protection Award from the Humane Society International in Kansas City, USA.
- She has also helped to campaign to end the illegal wildlife trade at Sonepur Animal Fair, which earned her the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar.
Gauri Maulekhi: An Inspiration
Gauri inspires people worldwide to take a stand for the well-being and protection of animals who suffer because of ill-treatment and lack of facilities. Furthermore, she calls and encourages people to be more considerate towards animals. She has showcased true humanity and selfless compassion by dedicating her entire life to the cause.
