“Being born into an orthodox family, I had very limited to almost no exposure to animals. Though secretly I wanted to have animals around me, I was constrained to a greater extent. But with time, I started to slowly feed biscuits to the animals in my street.

As I grew more fond them, I became an official community feeder about three years ago. Every day I would cook rice and feed my streeties all three times a day. With the amazing support of my daughter, we have rescued and fostered multiple pets over the years.

On an average day, I feed around 40-50 dogs. But it doesn’t just stop there. We have animals of all kinds visiting us for food for cows, goats, cats and even birds.

I don’t have any time offs here nor do I take any vacations. Day and night my life revolves around these beautiful kids and I continue to trudge through despite all my health ailments.

But being a community feeder in today’s day and time is a very heart wrenching job. Because the level of hatred that I have garnered over the years is unspeakable. People just loathe me and throw all sorts of obscenities my way because I choose to place a bowl of rice for the dogs. Most of my well meaning acquaintances have tried to warm me of the ill effects of feeding street dogs. It’s just disheartening to know that while we don’t always expect people to come and feed the dogs with me, the least they can do is not get in my way.

Very rarely does someone appreciate me for what I do. I envision a world where an animal is given as much space in this world as us. Every being in this world is important and all they require from us is love. Rain or shine, I will keep moving forward for if not I don’t know life beyond these kids.”