Mangaluru: Tauseef Ahmed from Mangalore, a renowned figure in animal rescue, has been awarded the prestigious ‘International Iconic Animal Rescue Hero 2024’ in Mumbai Film City. He was recognized in the social service category for his significant contributions to rescuing animals from the streets of Mangalore over the past 15 years.

Known as Mister Rescuer on Instagram, Tauseef Ahmed has rescued more than 8,000 street animals to date. His dedication extends beyond cats and dogs to include reptiles and birds. Despite facing threats from the cattle mafia, Ahmed's commitment to animal rescue has continued. His efforts earned him the ‘Best Street Care and Rescue Award’ from India for Animals (IFA) in Hyderabad in 2018.

Originally from Kudremukh in Chikkamagaluru district, Tauseef Ahmed relocated to Mangalore at a young age. His passion for animals led him to join the Animal Care Trust (ACT) in 2010, where he discovered his life's purpose. He quickly became one of the leading rescuers within the trust. During the devastating floods in Kodagu in 2018, Ahmed's team played a key role in rescuing hundreds of animals abandoned by their owners, some even untied from their sheds.

In 2019, Ahmed delivered a TEDx talk titled ‘Our Planet, Theirs Too’ at Nitte Deemed to be University, emphasizing the importance of conserving and protecting not only exotic wildlife but also common animals. Despite holding an MBA degree and owning a real-estate firm, Ahmed remains dedicated to his mission. He trained in first aid and basic veterinary treatment under Dr. Lakshmi to enhance his rescue efforts during emergencies. His first book, 'Straying Around,' is based on his experiences in animal rescue.

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New Delhi (PTI): Congratulating Rekha Gupta on taking oath as Delhi's chief minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said she has risen from the grassroots and expressed confidence that she will work for the city's development with full vigour.

A first-time BJP MLA, Gupta was sworn in as Delhi chief minister in a grand show of strength by the party which returned to power in the city after more than 26 years.

Soon after the swearing-in ceremony of the new Delhi government, Modi said in a congratulatory message, "She has risen from the grassroots, being active in campus politics, state organisation, municipal administration and now MLA as well as Chief Minister."

He added, "I am confident she will work for Delhi's development with full vigour. My best wishes to her for a fruitful tenure."

Along with Gupta, Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra and Pankaj Singh were also administered the oath of office by Lt Governor V K Saxena.

Besides Modi, senior leaders of the BJP and its allies were present at the event in Ramlila Maidan.