Rourkela: A group of students of the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, have set an example for the young generation by launching a campaign against cruelty towards stray animals.
Taking time out of their busy study schedule, more than 10 students led by tribal project research associate Shubhashri Nayak of NIT have not only began a drive for the safety of animals, but also search for injured and neglected animals and ensure their proper treatment.
Others in Nayak’s team include – MBA student Amrit Pradhan, Saswat Kumar Pradhan and Priyanka Chandra Kar.
These NITians have also included students of other engineering colleges of the city like Sandip Patra, Sanjay Nayak, Ashis Ghosh and Sharat Chakraborty in their team to give their effort a shape of a movement.
These students have set up a charitable organisation ‘Sparsh’ which takes care of helpless animals.
Often animals and birds meet with accidents in the city. Members of Sparsh rush to their rescue in no moment when they are informed about a mishap and spend from their pockets to administer proper treatment to the animals.
They don’t give up until the complete recovery of the animals, locals said.
This apart, the students visit the nearby colonies and market places to create awareness among the people over the safety of animals.
Explaining the crucial role of animals in maintaining ecological balance, the youths inform the people about the guidelines laid down by the government over the issue.
Thanks to their efforts, Rourkela Municipal Corporation had put up water pots across the city last summer for thirsty stray farm animals. The students also rescued a cow lying in a nullah in Sector-2 area and released it in a Goshala in Vedavyas.
Team leader Shubhashri said three years back she spotted a thirsty cow near a tube well but none of the passersby offered water to the animal. This incident had an impact on her and it was then that she made her mind to take up the cause of stray animals. Some like-minded friends joined her and they set up Sparsh to move ahead in this direction, she added.
Another member of the team Saswat Pradhan said they are in contact with national-level animal welfare organisations and would create awareness among school and college students over the issue in coming days. PNN
