On Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010, Dr, Nanditha Krishna and Dr. Chinny Krishna of the Blue Cross of India met with Mr Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India. They were accompanied by General R. M. Kharb, Chairman of the AWBI, Ms. Justine Holmes of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and Dr. Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association.

Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare or UDAW

Mr. Jairam Ramesh was extremely receptive to the idea of India being a signatory and sponsor of the Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare, initiated by WSPA.

Jairam Ramesh after signing UDAW

When requested, he immediately agreed to sign the petition. He wrote: “As an Indian, animal welfare is part of my dharma, and it has become my karma now!”

Thereafter, the delegation met Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, and a close friend of Dr. Nanditha Krishna since they were children.

Shashi Tharoor signing UDAW in personal capacity

He, too, signed the declaration (in his personal capacity), becoming the two millionth signatory! .