A report on the Asia for Animals 2007 Conference which took place at the GRT Grand in Chennai Jan 9 – 13th

The conference, arranged by the Blue Cross of India with the help of sponsors from all over the world was sold out. There were more than 325 people registered. The first day was a workshop on Animal Birth Control. The next three days were sessions from 8.30 – 7 am by more than 60 speakers from India, Asia and beyond. Mrs Maneka Gandhi gave the keynote address and urging all animal organisations to form a united front so that they could effectively tackle the animal rights problem. The sessions were on Global Issues, The Role of Government Agencies, Farm Animals, Education and Awareness, Disaster Relief, Animals in Research, Fund Raising, Religion and Animal Welfare, Wildlife, Captive Animals, Companion Animals, Rescue Centre Operations, Ethics, Advocacy, Media and Communications. Each session was very relevant and threw a lot of light on the situation today and what others can learn for their own projects. The whole conference was absolutely inspiring so participants did not mind staying the long hours.

On the 13th there was a meeting of all the Indian organisations with the objective to form a federation where knowledge can easily be exchanged and also whereby we can stand united on a variety of issues to bring about a better world for the animals.

All the food at the GRT Grand was 100% vegan and the chefs had taken the trouble to test recipes in advance and prepare curd rice which had been made from peanut curd, as well as a variety of vegan deserts. Everyone was amazed at the buffets. All the arrangements were so good that participants requested another conference in Chennai.

The next Asia for Animals conference is planned in Bali. Information will be regularly updated at www.asiaforanimals.org

Nandita Shah
SHARAN _

Email - shahnandi@gmail.com