Well, I tried hard searching for this occupation in India,
but there hardly seems any notables. So, this post goes on to recognize some of
kind hearted women who fought for animals rights.
Rukmini Devi Arundale
Popularly known for her classical dance achievements,
Rukmini also had another side worth noting. She had a soft corner for all kind
of creatures and was also an animal right activist. It was under her leadership
in 1962 when The Animal Welfare Board of India was set up. She was a pure vegetarian
and promoted same everywhere.
The Animal Welfare Board of India presented her with ‘Prani
Mitra’ award in 1968 for her work as an animal rights activist.
Anuradha Sawhney
Anuradha has served as the head of operations of People
for the Ethical Treatment of animals (PETA), India for nine years. Apart
from this, she was also the Editor of the Indian edition of
the animal rights magazine Animal Times. PETA India received
several awards under her leadership.
She received following awards for her work as an animal
lover:
·
Women's achievement award, 2009
·
Ranked as one of India's 50 most powerful women
by Femina magazine
Anuradha was not a vegetarian by childhood and opted to
become one when she joined PETA. Now, she encourages other people to turn into
a vegetarian and has also launched
her own vegan cookbook called The Vegan Kitchen Bollywood Style.
Apart from these
two ladies, there are several other ladies and of-course gentlemen who are
doing the noble cause to help poor animals in their own small efforts. People
offering food to stray dogs or cows (not
the rich ones, I have also seen a fruit seller who used to get milk and chapattis
for stray dogs daily) is a common sight. I am not a vegetarian myself, but
still salute the efforts pf these selfless souls.
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