There are many reasons to help stray animals, but I think the most important is that how we help street dogs and cats is a reflection of our collective humanity.
1. Tell us more about yourself and your life.
So my name is Geetanjali Prakash taur. My age is 25 years old. I do a full-time job and also handle Sanghas. I come from a very middle-class family. It’s quite difficult to manage all at a time. My life is all about home to office, office to sanghas and again office. I can't give that much time to my personal life but whenever I see my dogs in the shelter, it all seems worth it.
Being a girl, having a full-time job and running a shelter is not an easy task. Sometimes, it's difficult for people to have faith but I have managed to do it all. With the support of my team and the love that you all have given me and the animals!
2. What led you into working for the social cause?
My current pet dog which is indie was rescued from the road. He is the reason behind the whole concept of a Rescue centre! He was my very first rescue!
I used to feed many strays but never thought of bringing one home. I always adored dogs. I wanted to bring one home but thought that my parents won't allow it, also it carries great responsibility. Hence, I kept that thought aside.
But once, while going to college I saw an accident, in which a female dog died on spot, and her two little puppies were crying near her. One of them was injured. This made my heart melt and sulk in pain!
I took both of them home, and performed basic treatment. But my family was concerned about it, as we had no idea how to treat them, what medications to give, nothing! In a few days, he was healthy again.
3. What is that one cause you care deeply about and why?
I think many people look at stray animals and see them as a nuisance. But these are actual living feeling beings that lead incredibly brutal and painful lives. And it’s large because of things that we humans have done.
There are over 600 million stray animals all over the world that suffer lives of misery — starving, cold, sick, accidents and abused. It’s why I wanted to be involved in this cause. I may not be able to save each and every stray animal but I can surely try to save as much as I can.
So I feel if you really want to help stray animals lead by example: Take a dog from the street into your own home. If that's not possible, take care of his food, medicines and vaccination. Put Bowls of Water: Put as many mud bowls of water at convenient places for stray animals, especially during summers.
There are many reasons, but I think the most important is that how we help street dogs and cats is a reflection of our collective humanity.
4. If one wants to contribute and make a difference in social causes like yours, how can one do it?
Many people have given their views on this topic here. I would just like to add a little more. While many things can be done, the least you can do is feed them. You don’t even have to prepare food for them right? You can just give them whatever is left after you have eaten. Request others around your neighbourhood to do the same thing. While there are going to be many people who just don’t agree with you, I’m sure a few will follow up once you start doing it. Also, tell people that if you can’t feed them, at least don’t hurt them
Stray animals need water, food, shelter, and kindness. You can start by feeding them, and providing shelter. If possible adopt, volunteer, etc.
5. Who is your role model and why?
My father is my role model. He taught me how to live independently. Whenever I do something, he lets me do all the work. He taught me how to become responsible in everything. He guides and helps me solve every life problem that I encounter. He taught me how to become a man. How to be independent and how to value myself are the greatest life lessons my dad taught me. He taught me how to stand up, how to speak up for the things I believe in, how to stand up for others, and how to face my fears.
I am extremely proud of my father for being an inspiration to me. When others look towards famous personalities as their role model, I feel proud to say that I look towards my father for being my role model though he is no more between us.
6. What are some of the challenges and roadblocks you have faced along your journey?
After all that happened in my journey, this thought constantly struck my mind, that Sheru was just one of the many dogs that die or suffer every day! And fortunately, I found sheru, but what about the others?
Then after all the research and discussion and planning and all that guts, with love in my mind, and will to save lives, I thought to start this animal shelter! Our @saahasforanimals.
In this journey, I've faced a lot of hindrances in my way, and that's what life is all about, right? If our intentions are pure, we'll always find a way! There's a lot of negativity around! But if we look at the positive ones, who for the sake of love, for animals, help us, support us and trust us.
- Geetanjali Taur (Instagram)
- Interviewed by Manjul Yadav
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