From Passion to Action: How a Gap Year Student Made a Difference in Animal Welfare that has been authored by Aryan Barthakur Singh 

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As an animal lover and the proud owner of two beautiful dogs—a Black Russian Terrier named Vassily and a Golden Retriever named Gemma—I’ve always felt a profound connection to animals. My bond with them went far beyond companionship; it became a journey of learning, empathy, and purpose. When I lost them, the grief I felt sparked a determination in me to help other dogs, especially those facing even greater challenges—stray dogs. Here in our country, countless strays suffer needlessly from preventable diseases like Distemper, Rabies, and Parvovirus. These diseases, despite having vaccines, continue to take lives simply because these dogs lack access to basic healthcare. 

Driven to make a change, I organized a vaccination drive on August 25th, 2024, at Jeeva Pet Hospital in Bangalore. My goal was to vaccinate over 100 stray dogs, shielding them from these painful and often deadly diseases. Watching these dogs on the streets, vulnerable to illness and hardship, fueled my determination. I wanted this drive to give them the protection and care they desperately need but rarely receive. 

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The process, however, was not straightforward. Organizing the drive required meticulous planning and, most challenging of all, raising the necessary funds. I began by launching a campaign on Milaap, but the response was slow. In the first two weeks, I had raised just Rs. 5,000—not nearly enough to cover the costs. Confronted with this challenge, I tapped into the business strategies I had been studying for college. I quickly shifted my approach, creating eye-catching posters and using social media platforms, even enlisting my parents to help spread the word. As our message reached more people, donations started to flow in. 

By the end of the campaign, I had raised enough to vaccinate over 100 stray dogs. Now, I am preparing for the next phase: administering booster doses. Through this drive, I had the privilege of helping these dogs toward healthier, safer lives. 

This experience was transformative in ways I hadn’t anticipated. As I prepare for undergraduate studies in business management, this vaccination drive gave me hands-on experience in fundraising, resource management, and crisis response. I learned the value of quick thinking and adaptability in the face of setbacks. My passion for helping animals aligned with my interest in business, revealing how both could work together to make a real difference. 

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This vaccination drive is just the beginning. My vision is to establish a trauma and rehabilitation center, an animal rescue facility, and a gaushala—a sanctuary where stray and abandoned animals can find the care, healing, and love they deserve. The lessons I’ve learned in fundraising, crisis management, and community mobilization will be invaluable as I work toward this dream. 

My journey with Gemma and Vassily taught me that we can always do more for the animals around us. Through their legacy, I’ve discovered my purpose: to protect and care for those who cannot speak for themselves. As I continue my education, I will carry these lessons with me, applying them not just in academics and my future career but to every stray dog I encounter along the way.

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