Teacher’s Day 2026: Kolhapur Teacher Felicitated With First-Ever Kind Teacher Award For Teaching Compassion, Rescuing Snakes

On Teacher's Day in 2026, a teacher from Kolhapur was honored with the first-ever 'Kind Teacher Award' for his dedication to fostering compassion towards animals in students. Sachin Kusnale, a teacher, author, and snake rescuer, received this prestigious recognition from Maharashtra-based animal welfare organization, Animal Rahat. Kusnale's work primarily focuses on integrating animal welfare into his lessons, teaching students to coexist with animals and emphasizing the importance of kindness towards all living beings.

Animal Rahat acknowledged Kusnale's efforts in weaving animal welfare into his teachings, such as educating children about the dangers of flying kites with glass-coated strings that harm birds and the negative impact of fireworks on monkeys and dogs. In addition to his school, Kusnale also promotes Animal Rahat's work in other schools to expand a regional network of compassionate educators. He has authored books on the significance of not consuming meat, being kind to animals, and living in harmony with nature.

Furthermore, Kusnale is a trained snake rescuer who has relocated numerous snakes from human-populated areas, ensuring their safe return to forests. When accepting the award, Kusnale expressed that he never sought recognition for his work. Instead, he emphasized that kindness does not require wealth, power, or a special position and that every individual has the ability to choose compassion and positively influence the next generation.

Animal Rahat, based in Sangli, has been working since 2011 to replace bullock-driven carts with mechanized alternatives through its 'sugar factory mechanisation project.' This initiative has influenced the deployment of over 18,850 tractors and 270 harvesters at 26 sugarcane factories across Maharashtra. The NGO also conducts free humane education workshops, known as the 'Compassionate Citizen' program, to help students aged 8 to 12 years better understand and appreciate animals.

This program has reached approximately 70,000 children across the state. Dr. Naresh Upreti, the chief operations officer of Animal Rahat, stated that Kusnale's approach goes beyond books and lessons, teaching students that every being deserves compassion and that each of us plays a role in building a kinder world. They are proud to award him with the first-ever 'Kind Teacher Award' and encourage other educators to follow in his compassionate footsteps.