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About UDRA
Utkal Development of Rural Academy (UDRA) is a people-powered movement dedicated to animal welfare and rural development. What began as grassroots seva evolved into a national campaign demanding legislative change — because kindness alone is no longer enough. We believe animals are not property, but lives, and they deserve protection under strong, enforceable laws.
Our work spans protests, legal advocacy, education, and community outreach — and now, a legal campaign to amend the outdated Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960.
About Us
Founder’s Vision: Dr. Pradyumna Choudhury
Dr. Pradyumna Choudhury is a lifelong animal rights advocate, environmentalist, and founder of UDRA. Deeply connected to nature and driven by the principle of “service before self,” he began as a caregiver for injured stray animals and transformed into a national voice for justice.
He believes the time for silent compassion is over. “This is no longer just about kindness — this is about constitutional justice.” His leadership continues to inspire protests, petitions, and policy shifts across India.
Dr. Pradyumna Choudhury
Founder
we stand for greatness
Our Journey So Far
- Led India’s longest peaceful animal rights protest — 197 consecutive days
- Filed nationwide petitions for bail reform and animal justice
- Trained hundreds of volunteers across Odisha for village-level advocacy
- Hosted awareness sessions in schools, slums, and panchayat offices
- Launched public engagement campaigns in cities and rural belts
- Conducting the 12,000 km Jeev Daya Abhiyan motor rally across India
- Building a network of legal allies to draft amendments to the PCA Act
Visitors might want to know how they can support the organization, whether through donations, volunteering, or participating in events like the Pasu Suraksha Abhiyan. The answer should detail donation channels, volunteer opportunities, and event participation processes.
Potential donors often want transparency. The answer should explain how funds are allocated—for example, towards community outreach, animal protection drives, legal advocacy, or educational programs. It can also highlight specific milestones achieved with prior donations.
Visitors would likely want to know about active campaigns like the Motor Rally Initiative or Animal Protection Chariot, as well as any future events they can participate in or support. A brief overview of campaign objectives and schedules should be included.
Noble Book of World Records – Longest Animal Rights Protester
International Book of Records – Longest Campaign for Animal Rights Awareness
Doctor of Animal Care (Honoris Causa) – Awarded by Sanskrit Ancient Yoga University, Germany (2025) for outstanding service in animal welfare and rural development
Honorary Representative – Animal Welfare Board of India (2024)
Organiser – 3-Day National Protest at Jantar Mantar (2023)
District Contributor – Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Founder – Animal Protection Forum of India
Volunteer – Animal Welfare League, South Australia
stand with us
Why We’re Changing the Law
India’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, enacted in 1960, is over 60 years old. It allows offenders to walk free after paying a bail of just ₹50 — even for acts of brutal violence.
This outdated legal framework fails to recognize animals as sentient beings. UDRA is working to amend the Act, increase penalties, and bring justice into alignment with the values of modern India.
We’re not just asking for kindness. We’re demanding legal recognition of an animal’s right to live without fear or cruelty.
How You Can Help
- ₹50 prints awareness leaflets for rural schools and slums
- Fund legal research to propose stronger penalties
- Support our protest chariot as it travels across cities
- Enable outreach to lawmakers and local representatives
- Fuel a national campaign that protects all life — not just human