Anjali Gopalan
Ms. Anjali Gopalan is a visionary leader and a dedicated advocate for both human and animal rights. In 2012, Ms. Gopalan was named by “Time” Magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential people for her pioneering work on HIV/AIDs and LGBT rights in India. She established Delhi’s first one-of-a-kind HIV clinic in 1996 and the Naz Foundation (India) Trust. Renowned for her extensive work in social activism, she is the founder of All Creatures Great and Small (ACGS), a sanctuary built on the belief that every animal, regardless of species, deserves compassion, dignity, and a safe home. Her deep love for animals and her unwavering commitment to their welfare led her to establish ACGS in 2012.
Through ACGS, Ms. Gopalan actively promotes education, community awareness, and responsible caregiving for animals. Her efforts have provided a second chance to countless animals that would otherwise be forgotten. Ms. Gopalan is also a board member of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), and her journey is a testament to the power of compassion, showing that saving one life, no matter how small, can make a world of difference.
Awards & Milestones
- Anjali was the first Indian honoured with the annual Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law worldwide.
- Aalekh Foundation honoured her with Women Achievers Award 2025 for her fearless leadership and the groundbreaking work.
- Nature Conservation Award presented by New Delhi Nature Society 2025
- Award of Excellence, CSR Universe Social Impact Awards 2023.
- Anjali Gopalan, one of the petitioners against Section 377, won the Business Line’s Changemaker Award.
- Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh awarded Anjali the Changemaker Of The Year Award.
- Justice Sunanda Bhandare Award 2018 award for advocacy, empowering girls and building capacity.
- Anjali Gopalan, the Executive Director was conferred the Chevalier De La Legion d’Honneur; the highest award of the French Government for her work on LGBT rights
- Highly ranked in the 2012 Time Magazine among the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
- Anjali Gopalan was nominated for the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Award in Public Service
- Anjali Gopalan was named one of Forbes India’s Top Influential People of 2009.
- Ashoka Fellow in recognition of her achievements as a social entrepreneur.
- Anjali Gopalan was honoured as a Woman Achiever by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Nominated and short-listed for the Nobel Peace Prize
- Anjali Gopalan received the Sadguru Gnanananda Award from Manava Seva Dharma Samvardhani.
- Anjali Gopalan was awarded the Commonwealth Award for her work with marginalized communities.