Stories

IDA and AuroJeeva launch joint initiative for animal welfare in Pondicherry

One fine morning, Priti and Shonar decided to start an ABC program with funds contributed by well-wishers. Like mad-hatters they scouted the streets of Pondicherry and picked up unsuspecting dogs, rushed them to Dayakara (an animal shelter in Auroville) into the very capable hands of Marion and Dr. Laxmi. Two days later, the dogs were returned to their spot, looking as relieved as the residents who now knew that the endless aggression of mating dogs and the aftermath of endless babies in their area was history. Then the duo ran out of funds and waited for a miracle. This is the first story.

Almost a year ago, a casual tourist spotted Priti feeding some dogs on the street. At the time, little did we know what a special moment that would turn out to be. Vijendra Gairola went back home but didn't forget the conversation he had with some of us regarding the plight of Pondicherry's dogs and our abandoned dream. He sought the expert advice of Sudnya Patkar of In Defense of Animals (Mumbai) who herself had started from a garage and now commanded massive areas of the city. The months that followed were terrifically exciting as we exchanged ideas, planned, plotted, persevered. After a final visit to assuage the ground reality, VJ and Sudnya confirmed and committed their support and AuroJeeva was formally announced along with its agenda with IDA. This is the second story.

In the grand vision of Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga, could there be a place for animal welfare? The Sri Aurobindo Society certainly thought so and absorbed AuroJeeva under its own umbrella. Laying emphasis on the spirit behind things and the attitude with which one approached any situation and work, SAS was keen to participate in a program which strives to bring in harmony to the community and its surroundings with the aid of a consciously executed plan. This is the third story.

All three stories are true...
And miraculous...!!

Which is why we know we have the backing not just of our wonderful donors, our well-wishers, our friends, but of the Grace which has brought us till here and will hopefully take us a lot further.

For more details on the AuroJeeva-IDA Project, please visit www.aurojeeva.org