As part of the Karuna Abhiyan initiative, a group of students from the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) visited the Jivdaya Charitable Trust (JCT), Panjrapol, on January 15, 2026. The visit, coordinated by the Dr Kiran C Patel Centre for Sustainable Development (KPCSD) at IIT Gandhinagar and active support from Mr Kartik Shastri and MsYatriben at JCT, aimed to sensitise students to the values of compassion, care for wildlife, and ethical responsibility towards all living beings. JCT, an animal welfare NGO provides free medical treatment for all the stray animals and birds at Ahmedabad, since 2007. Till date, it has rescued nearly 20 lakhs animals and birds, in an area spanning 200 km distance from Ahmedabad.
Karuna Abhiyan is a flagship initiative led by the Forest Department, Government of Gujarat, aimed at rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating birds injured during the Uttarayan festival, particularly due to hazardous glass-coated kite strings (manja). An unique model of community participation and supported by the government, theprogramme brings together government agencies, animal welfare organisations, volunteers, and citizens to strengthen rescue infrastructure, build capacity for avian care, and promote public awareness. Karuna Abhiyan has emerged as a notable Gujarat model for biodiversity conservation, compassion towards wildlife, and sustainable development.
As part of the Karuna Abhiyan initiative, a group of students from the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar visited the Jivdaya Charitable Trust (JCT), Panjrapol, on January 15, 2026. The visit, coordinated by the Dr Kiran C Patel Centre for Sustainable Development (KPCSD) at IIT Gandhinagar and active support from Mr Kartik Shastri and MsYatriben at JCT, aimed to sensitise students to the values of compassion, care for wildlife, and ethical responsibility towards all living beings. JCT, an animal welfare NGO provides free medical treatment for all the stray animals and birds at Ahmedabad, since 2007. Till date, it has rescued nearly 20 lakhs animals and birds, in an area spanning 200 km distance from Ahmedabad.
A group of nearly 15 students and staff members of the Centre participated in the visit, during which they engaged with the team, activities, and facilities of the JCT, Panjrapol, which is known for its long-standing work in animal welfare, shelter, and care for abandoned, injured, and aged animals. The interaction, designed as an educational and experiential learning activity, provided students with first-hand exposure to community-led initiatives rooted in empathy and service.
The team that guided us through the process was highly disciplined and experienced. They patiently engaged with every group that visited, catering to all age groups, from young children to elderly participants. The awareness sessions were thoughtfully designed, making the concepts easy for everyone to understand.
During the visit, students observed on-ground rescue operations, treatment and rehabilitation processes for injured birds, hygiene and animal welfare practices, and community awareness efforts undertaken by volunteers and organisations involved in Karuna Abhiyan. Over a period of nearly one month, JCT engages with more than 60 doctors, 150 volunteers, and 100 staff members in the bird rescue operations. It was learnt that systematic and technology-based efforts are being taken to release affected migratory birds. Such engagements help students connect academic learning with real-world practices and deepen their understanding of sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and animal welfare.
Prof C N Pandey, Professor of Practice, and Coordinator, KPCSD, IIT Gandhinagar mentioned that “Karuna Abhiyan is one of the best examples worldwide, of spontaneous community participation, for saving birds and biodiversity conservation. It actively brings together volunteers, doctors, students, government agencies,and private organizations, among others. The government support and depth of community participation at large, play a vital role in the Karuna Abhiyan programme, started more than a decade ago.”
“Uttarayan is a festival of joy, but it also comes with a collective responsibility towards nature. Each and every member of the community can actively participate and contribute to bird conservation during this period. The impact of kite strings on birds extends far beyond Uttarayan, which is why it is crucial to remove discarded strings from terraces, trees, and other public and private spaces. There is an urgent need to enhance community awareness, especially among local residents living in and around ecologically rich areas such as wetlands and ponds. Awareness and education are key to ensuring the protection of birds and preserving these fragile ecosystems for the future,” said Mr Kartik Shastri, Trustee, JCT.
MrKalpan Shah, directly engaged with JCT activities, said to the students that “Our education is also about building value for society. The capacity and knowledge we gain should translate into real goodness: solving societal problems, serving communities, and contributing meaningfully to people and the planet.” He also shared his thoughts on emphasizing that the values of coexistence between humans, nature, wildlife, and biodiversity must be instilled at a young age to grow deeper over time. He highlighted that the current times reflect a disturbed natural harmony and has stressed the urgent need to educate children and youth to respect all living beings and learn sustainable ways to coexist with Mother Earth, for the sake of future generations.
Mr Vinay Shah, actively associated with JCT, shared that“Conservation does not have to begin somewhere far away-it can start right on institutional campus. If each of you takes responsibility for protecting biodiversity at IITGN through small, consistent actions, you will create a powerful example. Jivdaya Charitable Trust is keen to explore collaboration opportunities with IITGN students and faculty to support campus and community-based biodiversity initiatives.”
Karuna Abhiyan and the initiatives of Jivdaya Charitable Trust align strongly with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their integrated approach to wildlife rescue, community engagement, and education. The programme contributes to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by rescuing and rehabilitating over 100 bird species, including critically endangered vultures, while also supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through emergency veterinary services and healthier ecosystems. Through training programmes, internships, and public awareness campaigns, it advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by building ecological awareness, particularly among students. By promoting safer kite-flying practices and urban biodiversity conservation, Karuna Abhiyan contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The initiative’s success is driven by strong collaboration among government bodies, NGOs, veterinary institutions, volunteers, and partners, reflecting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
In addition to the visit, students will participate in a poster competition, encouraging them to reflect on their observations, learning outcomes, and the role of community-led initiatives in biodiversity conservation. The activity aims to sensitise students to ethical responsibility, empathy for wildlife, and the importance of citizen participation in environmental protection.
Through such initiatives, the institution seeks to foster values of compassion, sustainability, and responsible citizenship among students, while connecting academic learning with real-world conservation efforts.