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In 2017, animal rights activist Sai Geetha faced one of her most challenging moments when a mob attacked her for rescuing and feeding abandoned puppies who were found on the road. Despite being physically injured, her spirit remained unbroken.
"I was hurt, but I sure wasn’t going to let this stop me. Those harmless babies needed my help and I wasn’t going to abandon them out of fear. In fact, this incident only gave me more confidence to rescue and give the puppies a better life.” - Sai Geetha
Realising that existing shelters couldn't accommodate the puppies, she took it upon herself to create a solution. Her journey began in 2018 with a fierce determination to transform her passion for animal welfare into tangible action, leading to the creation of Sharanaksh, a non-profit trust dedicated to the rescue, care, rehabilitation, and rehoming of neglected and abused dogs.
“There are over 60 million stray dogs in India, many of whom are abandoned and face daily abuse. I wanted to do something for at least a fraction of them.” - Sai Geetha
A traumatic childhood incident shaped her mission to save street dogs
"When I was six, I saw my neighbour break a poor dog’s skull open with an iron rod, I was shocked… I couldn’t understand why a helpless creature deserved that brutality." - Sai Geetha
This harrowing event left a lasting scar on her mind and soul, instilling in her a deep sense of responsibility toward these voiceless beings. Her journey into animal welfare truly began at the age of eleven when she rescued her first furry friend. Over the years, she volunteered with various animal welfare organisations, dedicating her time and resources to rescuing stray dogs and feeding them, often against odds.
‘They too deserve love, affection and care’
Starting with just eight dogs rescued from Bangalore's BTM Layout, Sai Geetha's shelter, Community Streeties India (CSI), has grown significantly. Today, CSI is home to over 160 dogs, including puppies, young adults, and elderly dogs who enjoy a safe and loving environment.
“Since its inception, we have rescued over 2,000 dogs and provides more than 450 meals daily to community dogs in rural Bangalore, ensuring fewer animals are left hurt and hungry.” - Sai Geetha
She gave up a secure corporate career to pursue her passion for animals full-time
Sai Geetha was happy with a cushy corporate job for many years, before she realised the true calling of her life: caring for animals who are ignored by society. Sai Geetha’s professional background in hospitality, human resources, fashion design, pet grooming, and entrepreneurship has uniquely equipped her to manage Sharanaksh effectively. Under her leadership, CSI operates on core values of compassion, rescue and rehabilitation, responsible adoption, community engagement, collaboration, and transparency."My belief is that all living beings have an equal right to Earth’s resources and to live without pain, suffering, and desperation. It becomes our duty as humans to prevent cruelty against animals. We treat every dog with empathy, love, and respect. Our goal is to stop the suffering of animals and provide the best quality medical, physical, and psychological care to those in need."- Sai Geetha
‘Our mission is to transform society’s attitude towards stray animals’
“People mistreat street dogs, and then label them as a threat to public safety. I want to change people’s negative perception about stray dogs. The last thing I want is dogs dying of hunger, and getting run over by vehicles on streets. I carry out responsible feeding, sterilisation, vaccination, and adoption programs to address this.” - Sai Geetha
Despite the organisation's achievements, the financial demands of running a shelter exceed Sai's personal budget. She calls on the community for support to continue her mission of rescuing and caring for Bangalore's street dogs.
"I need your help to lessen the number of hurt and hungry dogs in Bengaluru and give them a better life. The funds will be used to acquire a mobile clinic/ambulance to provide first aid to injured stray dogs, buy raw materials for their food, get medicines as well as pay caretakers and other staff members. Our mission is not just about rescuing dogs but about transforming societal attitudes towards all animals. The vision is to create a future where these voiceless beings are considered integral members of the community, living harmoniously with nature and humans.”- Sai GeethaClick here to contribute.
Registration Number - AAOCM6666MF20229
EIN 20-5139364
