PANAJI (GOA): In honor of International Volunteer Day (5 December), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) has awarded Goa-based vegan activist, animal rescuer, content creator, and Miss Queen Universe Priyanka Kolvekar the title of 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
Priyanka Kolvekar wrote in one of her posts… Style, mischief, and lots of good vibes! ✨ sometimes, life is all about breaking the rules, enjoying the little joys, and dancing even through the tough times! So, why be moody when you can be totally in the mood? Her carefree style of living life has made her a princess…
A committed vegan for over 11 years, Kolvekar has spent over a decade working on the ground to protect, rescue, and advocate for animals. A mechanical engineer and MBA graduate with a diploma in Animal Welfare and Ethics, she has also received training on animal protection from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), World Veterinary Service (WVS), Goa, and Animal Aid Udaipur. Her hands-on activism includes rescuing injured animals, supporting Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes, feeding and caring for hundreds of community dogs and other animals across several cities. She currently shares her home with nine beloved desi dogs.
Over the years, Priyanka has volunteered for animal protection in various parts of India, including Hubli, Goa, Bengaluru, and Udaipur. She has also worked with PETA India on multiple initiatives – including caging herself inside a “battery cage” on International Women’s Day to stand in solidarity with female chickens who are confined, tortured, and killed for eggs and meat. During her pageants, she has used her platform to oppose cruelty by creatively dressing as different animals and speaking up for the rights of all species—from tigers and elephants to our desi dogs—while promoting compassionate, vegan living. As a transformation coach and vegan lifestyle mentor, she guides individuals towards vegan eating, holistic well-being, and compassionate choices. As a vegan fitness enthusiast, she demonstrates that cruelty-free living is powerful, sustainable, and healthy.
Beyond her animal welfare work, Priyanka is a model, entrepreneur, image consultant, pageant trainer, and career counsellor who has earned numerous accolades, including winning Miss Queen Universe 2024 and India’s Top Model 2022. She has also been honoured with recognitions such as the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, the Taruni Minugu Award, and multiple national and international awards for social contribution and excellence.

PETA India’s annual “Volunteer of the Year” award recognises an outstanding volunteer who has shown exceptional commitment and impact. This recognition celebrates their achievements and inspires others to join the animal rights movement, reinforcing the importance of volunteerism in creating a better world for all sentient beings.

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