Page 31 - Cafe-Social-June-2021

Joy of Giving

Meet The Feeder

Kishore Padiyar

“ Greatness of the Nation

can be judged by the way

its animals are treated.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

Stray Dogs in India are a usual scene scouring for
scraps and head pats. According to sources, there are
around 30 million stray dogs in India. Owing to the He spends an average of 15000 per month on their
Covid situation leading to lockdowns for various food and well-being. Tending to their injuries, sickness
intervals, the situation has got a bit more complicated. and even for vaccination, he often takes them to vets.
The number of dog feeders although growing, is still Noticing his love for dogs, now even people reach out
outnumbered by the increasing number of stray dogs to him when they come across any sick dogs in and
– being left to be fed on their own. around these areas.

The dog feeders aka Animal Caretakers like good He works with Municipalities, local police stations, and
Samaritans can be seen regularly feeding stray dogs, other NGOs to create awareness on issues related to
sometimes tending to their injuries; patting them – stray dogs and undertakes sterilization drives for the
giving them a sense of belongingness. dogs too.

Although engaged in a noble work, he says that
Our team of Café Social was pleased to have a chance feeders are not regarded in a good light and often face
to meet with one such kind-spirited soul – Mr. Kishore verbal and at times physical abuse too. Right from
Padiyar who takes out time daily from his schedule to being blamed for littering roads to creating menace for
feed them religiously.
other residents, the job is quite tough.

Mr. Kishore Padiyar is a resident of Bhayandar, He narrates one incident further, where he faced a lot
Mumbai. Every day, he could be seen around Mira of heat from residents and the general public for
Road feeding 75 – 80 dogs no matter what. creating water bodies “Jal Kunds” for these stray dogs
during summers. From offending remarks, name
Since 2012, he has been traveling to Mira Road by callings, and even police complaints, he has faced all.
Auto Rickshaw feeding dogs starting from However, he says now there are few who help him and
MacDonald's to Bharti Park, Shree support his work in these areas, things are improving
Ram Heights, Asmita College, which is very encouraging.
and the nearby areas.
He is very passionate and The team of Café Social was moved by Mr. Padiyar’s
thinks very deeply about commitment and dedication towards these furry
their sufferings and tries his animals and really believes that people like him should
best to reach out to the get the recognition they deserve for their selfless
underfed, despite a lack of service and kindness.
empathy from residents of
such areas. We salute his true spirit!
JUNE 2021 31