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When home becomes haven

Amala Akkineni on the need for adopting stray animals

COMMITTED Amala Akkineni, playing a real life role to protect animals

And then there was this little girl who went around on her bicycle, picking up all the homeless creatures that she came across on the streets of Chennai. This little girl, with a compassionate heart, and determination to bring about a change in the lives of homeless animals, didn't really think she would grow up and have a sprawling two-acre property with eight projects running simultaneously, all dedicated to the welfare of abused, sick and homeless animals. Yes, we are talking about none other than Amala Akkineni, who took up a noble mission in life, leaving behind a high flying acting career.

Talking about her childhood, she says, "I was in charge of all the cats and dogs in our hostel. When I studied in Kalakshetra, I used to visit the Blue Cross often. It was very close to where I lived in Adyar." She began practising vegetarianism and influenced, if not convinced, most of her friends to give up meat. Sure it was not easy as a child to give up on many favourite dishes but a quick trip to the neighbourhood butcher's, strengthened her conviction about vegetarianism.

Born to an Irish mother, who instilled in her love and compassion for animals, and a Bengali father, Amala moved to Kalakshetra, in Chennai to pursue her studies, and became a very prominent Bharatnatyam danseuse.

Starting afresh

Later, she entered films and basked in the glory of stardom till one day she walked into a world where she felt she was needed a lot more — the world of the sick and homeless creatures of Hyderabad.

"When I got married and moved to Hyderabad, I was very disappointed to see that there was no shelter or home for sick and abused animals. I began picking up these animals and bringing them home. In no time, our yard was full, the garage was full, there were birds of all kinds, squirrels, monkeys and even mules. My husband had no place to park his car and everyone who came home was welcomed with birds flying all over the place." she says with a chuckle.

She was by then actively involved with Hyderabad's first animal welfare organisation, where she happened to come across a few like-minded people who showed equal amount of enthusiasm and determination. And then there was no looking back.

Supportive Nagarjuna

With the support of her husband Nagarjuna Akkineni and Dr. Chinni Prakash, founder of the Blue Cross, Chennai, she started Hyderabad's very own Blue Cross.

Blue Cross Hyderabad, today is 15. Well wishers, volunteers, supporters, considerate and responsible citizens and young people from Hyderabad have all made it possible for the Blue Cross to be a haven for all stray animals in the town.

Everybody loves his or her pet animal. But few love stray dogs or cats. "They are seen as a nuisance and, at times, even as a threat to society. It's time we did something instead of folding our arms and watching them being beaten and stoned.

All that is required is for citizens to be aware of the programmes of various animal welfare associations and to spread the word among others. If you happen to live in a locality where there are stray animals, informing a animal welfare organisation, would lead to necessary actions such as sterilisation and vaccination of the animals, thus creating an environment that is free of the threat from stray animals.''

She believes that the younger generation holds the key to the success of such animal welfare projects.

"Early next academic year, we will launch a CD with all the information as to why and how a child can participate in animal welfare activities." She also added that she is willing to train young people to spread the word to ensure cruelty-free lives to animals. She stresses on adoption of homeless animals, since once they are treated, they are immunised against disease and are also sterilised. Found on the Blue Cross website, this quote from Mark Twain seems apt:

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will never bite you, this is the principal difference between a man and a dog".

Those who are keen on knowing more can check out www.bluecrosshyd.org

DIPTI DESAI

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