About Founder
Samyukta Hornad

Samyukta Hornad

An acclaimed actor with 34 films and numerous plays to her credit, has devoted 19 years to her animal rescue & animal rights as the founder of Praana Animal Foundation, driven by an unyielding vision to create a safe, loving ecosystem for all creatures. As an ambassador for Urban Wildlife with organizations like People for Animals, Wildlife SOS, and CARE, she pours her heart into championing their cause, having personally adopted animals such as a leopard, bear, elephants, monkeys, and a wild hare, nurturing them with unwavering care and love. As a dedicated member of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Karnataka, Samyukta is determined to build a transformative animal welfare system to safeguard animals across the region. To amplify her mission, she has launched a production house focused on creating powerful documentaries and films that celebrate and advocate for animals and nature.

Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad

Awards & Recognition

  • 7th CMSB National Award (2025) – Best Animal Rights NGO
  • KWAA – Karnataka Woman of the Year Award for Social Welfare (2023)
  • Inspiring of the Year Award (2019) – for Social Work
  • Youth Icon of the Year Award (2022) – for feeding 4,000 dogs during COVID for 1.5 years
  • Young Achiever of the Year Award – for her work as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and actor
  • Filmfare – Best Supporting Actor for Oggarane
  • SIIMA – Best Supporting Actor for Toby
  • Chitrasante – Best Actor (Critics)
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad
sSamyukta Hornad

Wildlife & Animal Welfare Work

  • PETA – Served as an ambassador, raised funds, and donated a mechanical elephant to Karnataka’s Yedeyur Sri Siddhalingeshwara Temple.
  • Wildlife SOS – Adopted a bear, tiger, and elephant; conducted awareness campaigns highlighting the challenges faced by wildlife.
  • PFA (People for Animals) – Appointed as Urban Wildlife Ambassador for Bangalore by Maneka Gandhi; led multiple campaigns as a vocal advocate.
  • Bannerghatta National Park – Adopted a neurologically impaired tiger cub named Sinchana.
  • Collaborated as an ambassador with various other wildlife and animal rescue foundations.

Other NGOs Samyukta Has Worked With:

  • CARE
  • CUPA
  • SBC (South Bangalore Cares)
  • HSI (Humane Society International)
  • Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services
  • Multiple other animal foundations
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad
Samyukta Hornad

Animal Adoption & Rehabilitation

Praana runs structured adoption programs that:

  • Rehabilitate rescued animals
  • Ensure lifelong, responsible rehoming
  • Offer post-adoption support and education

Samyukta actively participates in home checks, follow-ups, and animal integration processes — ensuring that adoption is ethical, safe, and permanent.

Key Milestones at Praana

2023 – 24/7 Animal Ambulance & Helpline

  • First-of-its-kind rescue line across Bengaluru South
  • Emergency care for strays & wildlife
  • Inaugurated by Prakash Raj

2024 – Royal Bengal Tiger Adoption

  • Adopted Sinchana, a neurologically impaired cub at Bannerghatta
  • Under Tekion–Praana Diamond-tier CSR partnership

2025 – Cat Rehab & Adoption Centre

  • Bengaluru’s first cat-focused post-op care centre
  • Partnered with Tekion; murals by CKP artists