Manavi Rai
October 25, 2024
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Manavi Rai’s Journey: A Compassionate Warrior for Stray Animals and Women’s Safety
In today’s world, compassion and activism go hand in hand, with people like Manavi Rai leading the charge. As a dedicated animal activist and a fierce advocate for women’s safety, Manavi has devoted her life to making a difference in areas that often receive little attention. In our first episode on Luminarie Tales, we had the privilege to dive deep into her journey, learn about her work, and explore the causes close to her heart.
The Power of Audio Storytelling in podcast
Manavi’s activism began with her involvement in Udgam Charitable Trust, a non-profit dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray animals. At the start of the podcast, she discusses her early days, highlighting the challenges of building an organization from the ground up. Her unwavering passion for animals and desire to make a tangible difference pushed her to take on this monumental task.
Her dedication to the cause, which stemmed from a deep-rooted compassion, led her to leave behind a conventional career path and immerse herself fully in the world of animal activism. What started as a humble effort has now blossomed into a full-fledged NGO that cares for countless animals every year.
Why Stray Animals?
When asked why she chose to dedicate her life to stray animals, Manavi’s response was heartfelt. India is home to millions of stray dogs and other animals that face neglect, abuse, and health issues. While many people shy away from these animals, Manavi felt a call to action. She believes that each stray deserves a chance at life, love, and care. For her, every animal rescued is a life saved, and this purpose drives her forward every day.
The Situation at Udgam Charitable Trust
Currently, Udgam Charitable Trust is providing essential care to hundreds of animals at any given time. Manavi shared that managing such an operation requires dedication, teamwork, and substantial resources. On the podcast, she discussed how she manages the trust even when she’s not physically present, underscoring the importance of having a reliable team and systems in place.
Breaking Myths about Animal NGOs
Running an NGO for animals isn’t always what people imagine. Common misconceptions include ideas that funding comes easily, or that working with animals is simple. Manavi candidly shared how managing an animal NGO requires tremendous effort, both physically and emotionally. There are bureaucratic hurdles, financial challenges, and the constant demand for hands-on care that make it a labor-intensive endeavor. However, Manavi’s deep passion fuels her to overcome these obstacles.
Women’s Safety While Feeding Strays
A key highlight of our conversation was the safety of women activists. Manavi discussed the tragic reality many women face while helping stray dogs. Despite their noble cause, women are often met with hostility from both communities and local authorities. She emphasized how society can be brutal and unforgiving towards women, particularly when they stand up for causes like animal care, which some see as “nuisance work.” Manavi herself has faced dangerous situations, but she remains resilient, fighting for both women’s safety and animal welfare.
Another important topic covered in the podcast was Manavi’s call to adopt Indian breeds and move away from supporting the breeding industry. Imported breeds often struggle to survive in India’s climate and conditions, whereas local breeds are hardy and better suited to the environment. Her NGO encourages adoption of these resilient animals, rather than supporting unethical breeding practices.
Impact of G20 Summit on Stray Animals
Manavi touched on a critical issue—the repercussions of the G20 Summit on India’s stray animals. Ahead of such large-scale events, stray dogs are often captured or killed as a way to “clean up” cities. She recounted the harrowing experience of dealing with these situations, urging for humane solutions and increased awareness about the plight of strays during major international events.
Tackling 11 Rescues a Day
Manavi’s workload is not for the faint-hearted. She regularly handles up to 11 rescues a day, which range from injured animals to abandoned pets. The podcast episode gives a glimpse into her everyday challenges, highlighting how she and her team navigate these situations with limited resources but abundant passion. Despite the emotional toll, Manavi continues to press on, determined to make a difference one life at a time.
Demanding Changes to Animal Law
In our conversation, Manavi made it clear that animal welfare laws in India need significant reform. Current regulations often fall short in protecting stray animals or punishing those who harm them. Manavi’s advocacy extends to lobbying for stricter laws and increased public awareness. She believes that without systemic change, true progress in animal welfare will remain elusive.
Demanding Changes to Animal Law
In our conversation, Manavi made it clear that animal welfare laws in India need significant reform. Current regulations often fall short in protecting stray animals or punishing those who harm them. Manavi’s advocacy extends to lobbying for stricter laws and increased public awareness. She believes that without systemic change, true progress in animal welfare will remain elusive.
The Future of Stray Dogs in India
Looking forward, Manavi expressed hope for a better future for stray animals in India. She envisions a world where every animal is valued, and where NGOs like Udgam Charitable Trust can operate with greater support from the government and society. Her ultimate goal is to create a sustainable model where stray dogs are cared for humanely and adoption rates rise significantly.
Manavi Rai’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on both animal welfare and women’s safety. Through her work at Udgam Charitable Trust, she continues to challenge the status quo, standing firm in her belief that every life matters—human and animal alike. We’re incredibly honored to have had her as our first guest on Luminarie Tales, and we’re excited to see the change she will continue to inspire.