Vantara, the most stunning animal sanctuary, harbours very significant qualities that are missed in a lot of the mainstream description. It doesn’t just save, it heals, it doesn’t only use science, it uses patience. Besides planting trees, doing unnoticed research, releasing rare animals, and even the wonders of the elephant hospital, Vantara’s story is further enriched by cross-border rescue. For those who are already familiar with Vantara, these five facts of its ecological ambition, innovation, and hope for the wild, might be quite surprising.

Non-Public Access Status

Vantara has currently been closed for the general public although open as a sanctuary and rescue centre conceptually. It’s more of a private rehab facility without regular visitor programmes with limited or no accessibility. Hence, the species recovery is free of the risk of them being disturbed or stressed by human crowds.

Global Sourcing Of Animals

Most of the animal acquisitions in Vantara are internationally sourced including rescued animals from abroad. This global sourcing allows for the infusion of genetic diversity and the sharing of conservation knowledge between countries, which in turn benefits the local species.

Advanced Veterinary And Speciality Care

The facility is the home of the most complete medical infrastructure, such as MRI, CT scans, hydrotherapy pools, hyperbaric oxygen chambers and a specially designed elephant hospital, which are usually very sparse in the rescue centres in India. Thus with the help of these resources, the animals that are badly injured and old get treatments that they had earlier been deprived of locally, thus their quality of life is improved.

Conservation Breeding And Species Revival

Vantara is actively working on the breeding programme to save the certain animals from the risk of extinction – cheetah, slender loris, vultures and Great Indian Bustard. It mainly focuses on the restoration of their natural habitat, scientific studies and reintroduction through partnering with the government and other international organisations.

Recognition And Awards For Welfare

Vantara has been the winner of the prestigious Prani Mitra National Award in the corporate category by the Animal Welfare Board of India which is a great occasion and a very high recognition of the efforts made by the organisation in the animal protection and conservation sector. This kind of endorsement helps in garnering prestige, expert collaborators and high standards for animal care all over India.

Harmony Between Nature And Human

Vantara is not simply one of the rescue centers for wild animals but a reminder to us all of the possibilities that exist within nature, the reparation of lost habitats and the transformation of compassion into action. Their activities in restoring the macaw Spix to its natural home, lovingly caring for hundreds of elephants and helping the return of healthy ecosystems are proof that human hands can be the healers of nature’s wounds. From every seedling that is planted, to every creature nurtured and every species brought back to life, Vantara is not just saving the beautiful world but flourishing it as well.

The Skal International India National Congress 2025 concluded at the Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai on September 14, 2025.

The three-day event welcomed a record-breaking participation of more than 200 delegates, from India and abroad, all paying full congress fees to be part of this milestone gathering, said a Skal release.

Distinguished personalities including Maneka Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Pooja Bedi, Subhash Gha, Zayed Khani and many more lit up the moments, lending prestige, and inspiration to the occasion.

At the heart of the congress, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the fiscal year 2024–2025 was held on Day 1, preceded by the national board meeting.

President Sanjeev Mehra and treasurer Monik Dharamshi presented transparent reports on finances and activities. Delegates appreciated the clarity of leadership, as the roadmap for Vision 2025–2030 that was shared, laying out strategies to strengthen Skal’s footprint in India and deepen global engagement.

“This congress is not just about numbers; it is about values, vision, and vitality. We are proud to host Skålleagues from across India and abroad to Mumbai, to celebrate the true spirit of friendship, collaboration, and business networking that Skal stands for,” said Mukesh Batra, president, Skal International Mumbai South, the host club.

For the first time, Skal International India national board launched the Skal International Indian Excellence Awards 2025, designed to recognise outstanding contributions from clubs, individuals, and Friends of Skål. The awards celebrated the achievements in club performance, membership growth, innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

The award for best performing Indian Skal Club of the Year 2025 was won by Skal International Chennai; Best active Indian Skal Club of the Year 2025 was won by Skal International Goa; Fastest growing Indian Skal Club of the Year 2025 by Skal International Bangalore; Best Indian Skål Club Event of the Year 2025 was jointly presented to Skal International Kolkata and Skal International Jammu & Kashmir; Best Indian Skal Club CSR of the Year 2025 award went to Skal International Coimbatore; Recognition as a reckoning force to Skal International Kochi; Recognition for outstanding young Skal engagement to Raja Gopal Iyer, Skal International Trivandrum; Indian Skalleague of the Year 2025 to Kamleshwaran P.S., Skal International Chennai; and Recognition for global outreach to N.S.N. Mohan, deputy vice president and director of Region 10, Skal International.

“The Excellence Awards are not merely trophies; they are a tribute to dedication, creativity, and the unwavering spirit of Skålleagues who are driving this movement forward. Our board’s vision for 2025–2030 is rooted in collective growth: more clubs, stronger retention, deeper engagement, and a unified Indian presence on the world stage,” said Sanjeev Mehra, president, Skal International India. “