Pune Educator Neha Vaz Receives Compassionate Educator Award from PETA India

Pune, 5th September 2024: In celebration of Teacher’s Day, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has honored Neha Vaz, the Head of Events and Strategic Alliances at Little Millennium preschools, with the Compassionate Educator Award. This accolade recognizes Vaz’s exceptional efforts to instill empathy for animals in young children and foster a more compassionate society.

Vaz’s dedication to animal welfare traces back to her childhood, beginning with the rescue of her first kitten, Laura, in 2012. Her journey from rescuing animals to actively engaging in animal protection has been remarkable. In 2014, she organized India’s inaugural Vegan Fest at Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. The event attracted over 30 organizations and 3,500 attendees, marking a significant moment in the promotion of veganism and cruelty-free living in India.

At Little Millennium preschools, Vaz has been instrumental in integrating animal rights education into the curriculum. Her involvement in PETA India’s Environment Day campaign, “Bowl of Care,” in May 2024 exemplifies her commitment. This initiative provided children with mud bowls to fill with water for community animals and educated them on the importance of hydration during the summer. The campaign reached over 2,400 children in cities such as Bhopal, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Surat, instilling a sense of empathy and environmental stewardship.

Puja Mahajan, PETA India’s Director of Education and Youth Outreach, praised Vaz’s contributions: “Neha Vaz is a beacon of inspiration for educators. Her dedication, from opening her home to animals in need to teaching kindness to young students, sets a powerful example. We encourage others to follow her lead and take meaningful action to help animals and nurture compassion in children.”

Vaz’s influence extends beyond the classroom through her role in organizing educational visits for Ellie, PETA India’s life-size animatronic elephant, voiced by actress Dia Mirza. Ellie provides a first-person perspective on the plight of real elephants used in circuses and other cruel practices. Thanks to Vaz’s efforts, over 3,600 students in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, and Vadodara have had the opportunity to engage with Ellie. Since her debut in May 2023, Ellie has inspired over 100,000 young learners to rethink the use of animals for entertainment.