LEAD is a nationwide student leadership program building campus chapters dedicated to farmed animal welfare, environmental justice, and compassionate living.
Apply Now
Why Lead?
India’s youth care deeply — but have nowhere to act
Millions of Indian students hold strong values of compassion and ahimsa. Yet when it comes to farmed animals, those values rarely translate into organized action. Here’s why this matters — and why LEAD exists.
UGC Mandates Animal Welfare Societies on Every Campus
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notification making it mandatory for all universities and colleges to establish Animal Welfare Societies (AWS) on campus. LEAD chapters directly fulfil this requirement — giving your institution a structured, nationally recognised AWS framework from Day 1
Compliant with UGC Norms
Joining LEAD means your college stays compliant with UGC norms while you build real advocacy skills, get mentored by experts, and become part of a national movement. It’s a win for your campus and a win for the animals.
Why Students Should Join the LEAD?
Everything you need to lead. LEAD isn’t just a club — it’s a fully supported leadership ecosystem. Here’s what every chapter leader gets access to.
Leadership & Advocacy Training A structured curriculum covering campaign design, ethical communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking — delivered by experienced movement leaders.
Seed Grants for Your Chapter Selected applicants receive financial grants to fund events, awareness drives, film screenings, and outreach activities on campus. No need to fundraise from scratch.
Expert Mentorship 1-on-1 guidance and monthly learning clinics with animal advocates, faculty members, legal experts, and professionals working at the intersection of animals, environment and health.
Ready-Made Campaign Toolkits Issue-specific guides, outreach templates, social media kits, and localised materials in Indian languages — ready to use from Day 1 so you don’t start from zero.
National Student Network Connect with chapter leaders across 13+ states via dedicated forums, monthly calls, and cross-chapter collaborations. You’re never working alone.
UGC AWS Compliance Framework LEAD directly helps your college fulfil UGC’s mandatory Animal Welfare Society requirement — with full documentation support, branding, and institutional integration.
Alumni Network & Continuity Stay connected after graduation. The LEAD alumni community keeps you engaged in the movement and opens doors to advocacy careers, fellowships, and collaborations.
Nationally Coordinated Events Participate in awareness weeks, plant-based food challenges, documentary screenings, and policy campaigns that are run simultaneously across campuses nationwide.
This isn’t just volunteering — it’s your launchpad
Running a LEAD chapter is a real leadership experience. You’ll manage a team, plan campaigns, engage institutions, and drive measurable outcomes — all skills that matter deeply in any career.
Beyond the experience, LEAD directly opens doors: through our placement partnerships, mentorship network, and referrals to fellowships and organisations working in animal advocacy, sustainability, law, policy, media, and public health.
Placements in animal advocacy, sustainability & policy organisations
Join the Alumni Network
Career mentors, collaborations & lifelong movement membership
Ready to Join?
Be the leader farmed animals need Applications for Cohort 1 are open now. The program starts 1st January 2026 and is completely free to apply. Seed grants available for selected chapters.
