Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS/HB)

Kundapur, Jul 30: The long lockdown has taught several lessons of life to human beings. Many have exhibited exemplary acts of humanity, generosity, helpfulness to their fellow human beings. However, some even went to the extent of helping animals, that too stray ones, the condition of whom was miserable.

Out of the many animals which suffered a lot during the lockdown are the stray dogs. Most of them used to feed on the leftovers that were fed to them by hotels. However, as the hotels were closed during the lockdown, the sight of street dogs longing for food was heart-wrenching. Monisha Gabriel, a resident of Hangloor in the taluk is one such Good Samaritan who has been feeding the street dogs for the past four months.

Monisha says, "Animals also have the right to live just like human beings. But they are unable to express themselves. However, if one understands their silent wailing, this can be known." She has been feeding hygienic and tasty food for the dogs for the past four months.

Monisha is originally from Kundapur and has secured law degree from the Lancashire University of England. She has plans of starting her own business in her native place. In addition, she has plan to start a NGO for the protection of domestic animals which are left on streets. She is planning to construct sheds to rescue and treat stray dogs. Her friend Aravind Fernandes has also joined hands with Monisha in this noble cause.

Monisha starts boiling rice for stray dogs, right from 7 am. Her parents also help her in this work. Along with variety of food, she also feeds chicken meat to the dogs. She has bought new plates for dogs to eat. Once the dogs eat the food, she herself cleans the plates. She also rears two dogs herself.

Everyday nearly 15 kilos of rice is being used for this purpose. She is indulged in feeding the stray dogs from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. When it rains, Monisha uses her car as shed to the animals and feeds them. She says that she gets immense satisfaction in this work.

Seeing her noble work on the social media, some animal lovers are donating rice, milk, food and biscuit packets. She wants to name her NGO as 'AADYA’ in Kannada, which means Adi and Anthya and also Durga in Kannada.

Monisha is also penning a book, inspired by Bhagavad Gita. "Lockdown has taught lessons of life to all. My parents are also supporting me. When it comes to sincerity and faithfulness, animals are far better than human beings. The stray dogs which I feed are the best examples for this. They come running to me whenever they see me around and play with me out of love. They never forget the service which I am doing to them," says Monisha Gabriel.