You DON’T have to join an Organization to work!
You DON’T have to be an Animal Welfare Officer to be heard!
You DON’T have to be EXTRAORDINARY to make a difference!
CITY’S ANGEL award was started by Karunashram, to celebrate the efforts of individuals who do their bit to help animals. We could all learn a thing or two from them!
Here’s what they have to say;
Name: Monika Mehta
Age: 22
Place: Chembur
Tell us something about yourself
I am a student of TISS, Mumbai. I have been an animal lover for the past eight and a half years, ever since our dog Fluffy joined our family. Since then, I have been volunteering for various animal shelters in Delhi (my native place) and Mumbai. I also started an animal lovers group in my college and we are working towards the care of stray animals in and around our campus. We also focus on sensitization and awareness creation. Since I am studying Disaster Management, I am also researching on the prospect of inclusion of animals within the purview of Disaster Management programmes. I try and network with different NGO's to integrate the cause of animals within their work. I also make it a point to use every available platform to publicize about the cause of animals.
You recently initiated fostering and adoption services in Mumbai for puppies & kittens. Tell us about it.
The fostering and adoption services are in a nascent stage from my side, as I feel I can and will do much more. As of now, I just spread the word around if I get to know about a motherless pup or kitten and thus try to find homes for them. In the meanwhile, I try to make arrangements with other animal lovers in the city, who would keep the babies with them, as they may catch infections if left at an animal shelter. I try and network with NGO's involved in animal issues in Mumbai and try to get them to send details of adoptable animals by email to people like Manisha, who then can vigorously look for homes for them. Also, I am also planning to put up posters informing about adoptions in various NGO's that my college friends visit as a regular part of their studies.
Where did you hear about Karunashram? What do you think of their work?
I heard about Karunashram (PFA-Wardha) from Manisha (one of the trustee) and I heard about her from my close friend Krithika, who is also an animal lover and was pursuing her PhD from my Institute itself. Krithika was nurturing four abandoned kittens when she had to suddenly go out of the city for some urgent work. It was at that time that she had requested Manisha to take care of them. Manisha willingly did not only that, but also found homes for all of them. I also have had a highly gratifying experience, especially in case of adoptions, with Manisha and her husband Mr. Ramchander. I first contacted Manisha for the adoption of an abandoned kitten, whom she very quickly and successfully rehomed. From there started a relationship, wherein I used to request her to get other motherless kittens and puppies adopted and she used to urge me to volunteer more. In fact, I haven't come across many such dedicated people, people who are so truly and fully immersed in working for the cause of animals. I hope and pray that this relationship lasts a lifetime.
How does it feel to receive the City’s Angel award from Karunashram?
It feels absolutely wonderful! The best part is that this award has given more credibility to my work, i.e. the cause of animals. People in my college have now come to realize that working for animals is not only gratifying, but rewarding at the same time. Also, my family is very proud. Now, they are even happier at the time of funding me!
What is your message to the other citizens of Mumbai?
My message to all is to please understand that its a better deal to be in a harmonious relationship with animals than to be antagonistic to them. This is because they are going to be there and the world is as much theirs as it is ours. Also, people need to educate themselves and thus gain better understanding of animal issues and they will realize how perfectly everything is interlinked.
Name: Shashi Iyer
Age: 44
Place: Dahisar (Mumbai)
Tell us something about yourself .
I am a businessman in the field of recruitment. Have always been crazy about animals and life’s just not complete without them. I grew up in a family that is fond of animals and right from the start, I have never been tolerant of people who harm animals or ill treat them. I understand that people have preferences and they may or may not like animals but that doesn’t give them any right to kick or hit any animal. The Indian Constitution doesn’t allow it but unfortunately the awareness that such laws exist is not there. I try in my own way to spread that awareness. Sometimes things get ugly but then that’s always there when you try to bring about a change in any community.
How long have you been doing this? Tell us about some of the animals you have rescued.
Oh, I’ve been doing this since I was a child. I once saved a Kite that had strayed into the city and was attacked by crows. I brought him home. He was in a state of shock and it took a while before he recovered and flew off. Then there was this time when I rescued a dog whose leg was crushed by a vehicle. I took him to Ahimsa for treatment. Unfortunately the doctors had to amputate his leg and he was there for 15 days before I got him back. He’s fine today although he has a stub where he once had a leg. Otherwise he’s leading a normal life. There was another dog that had a wound on his neck. He had swallowed a barbed wire and it got stuck in his throat. The throat swelled up and the barbed wire found its way out through a hole in a wound on his neck. My friends and I called the Karuna guys, who came promptly and got him operated right there. He was a huge dog and it was difficult for us to take him to the hospital. We had to stitch him up without sedation. I put him on antibiotics for a week or so and he recovered completely after that. More recently, some kids brought home a family of white mice that they had rescued. The mother decided to settle down behind our closet and now they have become a part of our family. Then there is a baby crow that got separated from his mother. He is also family now. I feed him tomato pulp and any other vegetable that I can mash. He seems to be fine. I just hope that when he grows up, he’ll fly away and be free again. I have also rescued several snakes. I learnt how to catch snakes from a friend of mine who’s an expert at it.
How does it feel to receive the City’s Angel award?
It’s very encouraging! Personally, I don’t care much for awards and titles but yes it feels good all the same.
Where did you hear about Karunashram? What do you have to say about the work that they are doing?
I heard about Karunashram from Manisha,who is a close friend. She has been an active animal welfare person and long ago she had told me that she would someday have a shelter for them. Today I am very happy that she has realized her dream.Karunashram does more work in Wardha, since they are based there but I believe they are starting services in Mumbai as well and I wish them all the best!
What do you have to say to the other citizens of Mumbai?
If you can’t help them, atleast don’t harm them! Live and let live!
Shashi Iyer can be reached at +91 98700 29722 or you can send him an email at iyershashi@gmail.com
Name: Shilpa Mistry
Age: 34
Place: Kandivali (Mumbai)
Tell us something about about yourself.
I am an Interior designer. I am a Jain and have been raised to love animals. Every night, I feed the stray dogs in our neighborhood and it gives me a lot of joy to see them having a decent meal. It’s very unfortunate that the BMC has decided to fine those who feed animals. It’s a very cruel step and I personally feel saddened that our authorities have either little or no understanding of the stray dog menace. Mumbai is largely a dumping ground and till such time there is garbage around, there will be stray dogs. It is the garbage that spreads diseases, not the dogs! Allow those who want to feed these animals to do their job. When I feed these dogs, I am always careful that I do it by the side of the road and I take bowls along. I don’t mess up the road. And I am sure other people who feed stray dogs also do so responsibly.
You recently helped Karunashram in fostering abandoned kittens. Tell us about that.
Yes, I fostered 4 kittens for Karunashram. These kittens were found abandoned and brought to Karunashram.As Karunashram doesn’t have a place to keep these animals, they approached me and explained the concept of fostering to me. I readily agreed and brought the kittens home. They stayed with me for 15 days after which they got adopted into a loving home at Andheri.They were little bundles of joy and for quite some time after they left, my family and I missed having them around. But we are glad that we took them in temporarily. It gave the Karunashram team more time on their hands to look for homes while I took care of them. I urge more people to come forward to foster these kittens.
How does it feel to receive the City’s Angel award?
It feels great! I am happy that Karunashram has taken the initiative to thank me in this manner.
Where did you hear about Karunashram? What do you have to say about the work that they are doing?
I heard about Karunashram through a friend. I’d like to say that they are doing good work and what’s different about their work is that they do not work in isolation from other organizations but with them! They believe that every individual in Mumbai should feel responsible and motivated towards creating a change and I endorse that belief. It is not practically possible for NGOs and the BMC to take full responsibility for the plight of animals in Mumbai. Their plates are full. The People of Mumbai should make personal efforts towards bringing about a change.
What is your message to the other citizens of Mumbai?
Please come forward to help Karunashram in their efforts. I urge other people to come forward as foster parents to little animals that are rescued as it can help save their lives.
Name: Anupama.H.Iyer
Age: 34
Place: Thane
Tell us something about yourself
I am a doctor by profession. I work at Siro Clinfarm, a clinical research organization. I like animals but unfortunately don’t get enough time to take care of a pet. I support the Karunashram Mumbai team in whatever way I can when I find time. Mostly by treating a wounded animal in my locality or if the Karunashram Mumbai team needs medical advice on a short notice.
You recently helped a man lying by the side of the road on Eastern Express highway. Tell us about that.
Well, the man had met with an accident and luckily I spotted him. For some reason I took the rickshaw that day or else I usually travel by bus. Vehicles were speeding past him and he was semiconscious when I approached him. I put him in the rickshaw with the help of the driver and took him to the hospital, got him admitted and informed his relatives who came in immediately after. He is alright now. Thank God! It was a very humbling experience. I didn’t attend office that day but at that point it didn’t matter because it was pathetic to see someone lying on the road like that. Tomorrow it could be me. I definitely hope someone will come forward to help me then.
How does it feel to receive the City’s Angel award for compassion from Karunashram?
I was quite surprised actually because I didn’t expect an animal welfare group to be notified of something like this. It’s very good that they have acknowledged my act and I definitely feel appreciated. Although at that point of time, awards and merits didn’t really cross my mind. I didn’t feel very brave also. I just wanted to get the man to the hospital as fast as I could and I couldn’t have done it if the auto rickshaw driver had not co operated with me but he did.
Where did you hear about Karunashram? What do you have to say about their work?
I heard about Karunashram from A.N Goswami.I know him personally. I used to work in S.P.D.C College at Wardha and Ashish is a friend. I have visited the shelter. Good job!
What is your message to the other citizens of Mumbai?
“Please don’t make calls to NGOs for help all the time. You need to get out and do more. You can not and should not expect others to help but learn to help yourselves.” Our responsibility does not end with making calls to NGOs.Take the time and trouble to do your bit.
