Coimbatore : The International Women’s day of 2019 would mark the occasion of possibly the first woman animal rights activist from Coimbatore being honoured with the Nari Shakthi Puraskar award, as Mini Vasudevan, the Managing Trustee of Humane Animal Society (HAS) would be honoured for her animal welfare activism.
Activist Mini Vasudevan will receive the Nari Shakthi Puraskar award from President Ramnath Govind on March 8th for her activism
Coimbatore : The International Women’s day of 2019 would mark the occasion of possibly the first woman animal rights activist from Coimbatore being honoured with the Nari Shakthi Puraskar award, as Mini Vasudevan, the Managing Trustee of Humane Animal Society (HAS) would be honoured for her animal welfare activism.
The honour comes following the efforts of Mini Vasudevan in birth control, rehabilitation and treatment of abandoned dogs, cats, ponies and donkeys in Coimbatore for nearly 13 years.
Having received the information of the award on Monday through an official letter from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Mini Vasudevan is all praise for her team, whose efforts according to her have helped her receive the honour.
“I do not see it as a personal milestone, but an honour for the organisation on the whole. The team including the staff have done a tremendous work over the years that have contributed for our success. Though I am proud to receive it, the award belongs to them,” Mini Vasudevan told the Simplicity.
It all started in 2006, a few years later after moving to India from the US. Being an engineer by profession, Vasudevan has always had a soft corner for animals that motivated her to create a platform to help stray and abandoned animals.
“When I moved into Coimbatore, I found many dogs and cats in helpless situation here. There was no organised effort in the city for animal welfare and being passionate about animals already, I could not sit quiet. I felt a platform was needed and founded HAS along with my husband,” she said.
The start of the organisation coincided with the inception of the animal birth control programme by the State Government and HAS was given a small space in Seeranaickenpalayam where they started to sterilise stray dogs. The organisation later focussed on rehabilitation and treatment of other domesticated animal as well.
Over the years, more than 50,000 animals have been taken care of by the organisation that also encourages adoption of abandoned pets like dogs and cats.
“Work with animals is a demonstration of commitment. But how we encourage fellow humans to do the same is what that matters. We believe that our aim is not only to take care of animals but also to educate people about animal welfare. People who are once passive are being active now. They have some sense of compassion and know that everybody can do something for animals,” she opined.
Talking about the growing social media animal rights activism, Vasudevan advised that people who voice for the animals online should relate the problem with their own environment and work in the field.
“Start working with animal welfare organisations or individuals who are on the ground. Understand the reality and contribute at your own level. Know that the world is not our own, we have to live with fellow animals as well. Younger children should learn this and change lives,” advised the veteran activist.