NL Correspondent
New Delhi: For helping animals through enterprise, innovation, and investment in vegan food, cosmetics, and footwear, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India is recognizing five trailblazers who are 30 years of age or under with its first-ever Compassionate Young Entrepreneur Award, announced in time for India's National Youth Day (12 January). The winners are listed below.
Rashmika Mandanna (Mumbai), an actor who works in South Indian and Hindi cinema, is an investor and brand ambassador for Plum Goodness, India's first 100% vegan beauty brand. The company is animal test–free, and its high-quality products range from fragrance to skincare and beyond.
Abhay Rangan (Bengaluru) is an animal rights activist and the founder of One Good, which was started with the aim of making vegan milks affordable for and available to all. It has recently been acquired by Nourish You.
Shubhika Jain (Raipur) is the founder and CEO of RAS Luxury Oils, an award-winning vegan skincare and wellness brand known for its natural and sustainable formulations. Jain is also an active animal advocate who supports animal welfare organisations.
Ashay Bhave (New Delhi), founder of Thaely, is on a mission to create compassionate and sustainable fashion. By rejecting the use of animal-derived materials and reusing plastic bags instead, Bhave's vision for Thaely goes beyond creating beautiful shoes.
Naimita Jagasia (Mumbai) is a chef and the founder of Ode to Gaia, India's first luxury vegan patisserie. Her venture is successfully challenging harmful industry practices by making delicious pastries without eggs, dairy, or any other animal-derived ingredients.
“From trendy leather-free sneakers to delicacies that are sweet for everyone, our winners are turning industries' archaic use of animals on its head,” says PETA India Chief Corporate Liaison Ashima Kukreja. “PETA India is celebrating these groundbreaking entrepreneurs for making the world a kinder place and hopes they'll inspire other youngsters to pursue ventures that prioritise animal rights.”
