Help in Suffering marks 45 years with the launch of Humane Education curriculum
Jaipur, March 28, 2025: In the backdrop of an intensifying debate on man-animal conflict, one of India’s oldest animal welfare organisations, Help In Suffering (HIS) on Friday announced a unique, Humane Education Curriculum to drive “mass awareness and equip children and young adult to interact with animals responsibly.” It coincided with HIS’s 45th year celebrations.
The Humane Education Curriculum initiative aims to create awareness about animal welfare among children and young adults, equipping them with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to interact with animals responsibly. The curriculum, designed as an interactive and activity-based programme, has already been introduced in 20 schools in Jaipur, reaching over 3,500 students. Covering essential topics such as understanding animal behaviour, safe interactions, and community responsibility, the programme is available in both English and Hindi. HIS plans to extend it to more government and private schools, as well as colleges, and collaborate with other animal welfare organisations to expand its reach. A facilitator guidebook has also been designed, providing end-to-end information on interpreting the curriculum in an easy and accessible manner, a unique concept in itself.
Ravi Jain, Secretary, Tourism, Art & Culture, Government of Rajasthan,in a message to HIS on its 45th-anniversary, said, “Rescue and treatment are essential aspects of animal welfare, but long-term change can only come through awareness and education. Humane education helps children understand animals as sentient beings rather than as property or nuisances, shaping a generation that interacts with them more responsibly. Jaipur has made significant progress in animal welfare, with HIS playing a crucial role in initiatives such as rabies control and rescue operations. This new programme strengthens that effort by ensuring that animal welfare becomes an integral part of community consciousness.”
DR Mehta, Founder and Chief Patron of Bhagwan Mahaveer ViklangSahayata Samiti (Jaipur Foot), said, “For years, Help in Suffering has treated injured and abandoned animals, but true progress lies in preventing cruelty before it happens. This education programme is an effort in that direction. If children learn early on to respect animals, it will have a lasting impact on how society treats them.”General Surat Sandhu, Chair of the Advisory Board at Help In Suffering, remarked, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Timmie Kumar, Managing Trustee of Help in Suffering, said, “We want this curriculum to reach as many schools as possible, and we also hope to support other organisations in introducing humane education, so that compassion becomes a natural part of how communities engage with animals.” Through workshops, discussions, and hands-on learning, students are taught how small actions, such as providing water to animals in summer or ensuring safe handling of injured strays, can make a difference.
Since its founding in 1980 by Crystal Rogers, GK Tiwari, and the late Dr T Ramchandani, HIS has treated over 10 lakh animals, rehabilitated more than 4 lakhs, and played a crucial role in making Jaipur rabies-free by sterilising and vaccinating over 1.5 lakh dogs. Each year, around 3,500 dogs are sterilised, and another 4,000 are vaccinated against rabies. The organisation has also been at the forefront of camel welfare, providing medical care for sick and ageing camels in Jaipur and Bassi.
With a team of 55 professionals, including veterinary surgeons, animal caretakers, and rescue personnel, HIS runs seven rescue ambulances and two mobile clinic vehicles. It collaborates with prestigious partners including HG Foundation, Infosys Foundation, AU Small Finance Bank and Padmini VNA besides international organisationssuch as Animaux Secours (France), Les Amis Suisses du Refuge de l’Espoir (Switzerland), Help in Suffering UK, and Working for Animals (Australia). It is also affiliated with the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO). From a small shelter established 45 years ago to one of India’s leading animal care groups, Help in Suffering has been working to improve the lives of street animals through rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation.