Chennai: In this day and age, where caring for a fellow-being is rare, here is someone who is working towards the protection of animals in the neighbourhood.
Meet activist Sai Vignesh who has carried out over 300 rescue operations and has helped save many a stray life.
“I developed a liking for animals when I was around five years old. I used to see my grandparents feeding them and stating that our lives become meaningful only if we help others. I have also decided to pursue law, to fight for the affected in a legal manner,” he begins.
The teenager apparently became a vegetarian, just to avoid contributing to animal cruelty. “I have been constantly rescuing and sheltering all those who are in need of homes,” he adds.
During the 2015 floods as well as the Vardah cyclone, he managed to rescue several pups and kittens to safety. “I was also fortunate to find care-takers for more than 200 such homeless creatures,” he smiles.
According to the youngster, doing good for animals gives him complete satisfaction. “This can be either rescuing or raising my voice against abusers by filing cases or creating awareness about the importance of being compassionate to animals,” he notes.
As for the funding, Vignesh says that he develops websites part-time. “The money I earn goes into my rescues. My father too supports me by giving a part of his salary for this purpose. MY grandfather used to contribute, until his death last year,” he states.
All of his work towards this cause is done through his organisation – Almighty Animal Care Trust, that he founded in 2017.
“Our aim is to make the lives of animals better by fighting for them legally, rescuing them, vaccinating and sterilising them and also to raise awareness among people about how other creatures too deserve respect. We should understand that our fellow-beings have an equal right to live in this planet as we do.” About his future plans, he states that his dream is to build a sanctuary with a medical dispensary, a project which is in the pipeline.
“A kind-hearted individual has donated 8.23 acres of land at Tiruvallur for this purpose,” he says.
He can be reached on 890393 20846, or visit www.almightyanimalcaretrust.org.
| Vignesh’s vignettes |
| * Rescued over 300 animals * Found homes for over 200 puppies and kittens * Filed more than five FIRs against animal cruelty * Conducted vaccination camps and got more than 900 dogs vaccinated against rabies |