By Ruchika Sharma
“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” – Christopher Reeve
We all have heard of ‘Superman’, ‘Batman’, and ‘Spiderman’ – the man-made saviors of humanity who are much celebrated and idealized. But, how can we be so self-absorbed and ignore these real-life unsung heroes who every day of their lives put the interests and needs of the voiceless creatures above them and nurture these animals from the core of theirs hearts? I think we should not typecast them. For their work and humanity are the best introductions they could or should ever have. While there are several renowned organizations working for the welfare of animals, these citizens are one-man (or one-woman) armies who have stood by their cause and have helped countless animals survive.
Pratima Devi known as the 'Dog Lady' of New Delhi, is a rag-picker and lives in a parking lot of area that radiates money and class – Saket, South Delhi. She was earlier a victim of an abusive marriage when living in West Bengal, her village. She freed herself from the shackles of her already broken marriage and came to Delhi to make a living for herself. Pratima initially worked as a cook for a few households in the city and later started a tea shop in Saket, where she used to take care of the neighborhood dogs with utmost love.
Unfortunately, her shop was destroyed and shattered by the police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi, which forced her to work as a scavenger in her locality. She went from selling tea to collecting waste from nearby shops and offices so that she can earn a meager amount of money for her four-legged friends. As these furry creatures increased in number, the “Dog Mother” made sure that they are not only fed twice but also are provided with all kinds of vaccines.
Eventually, she was feeding 400 dogs per day and this news reached far and wide among the masses. A lot of dog lovers visited her and offered her help. Pratima allows the people who visit her to adopt puppies, and in this manner, several disabled dogs have also found good homes. When people asked her how she was managing all this with her limited means, she replied- “Taking care of dogs is my religion” Her inspiring work left many filmmakers awestruck and compelled them to make a documentary on her and start a crowdfunding campaign, where people can donate money, so that Pratima can sustain her livelihood as well as of these four-legged ones.
She was awarded the Godfrey Philips Bravery Award in the year 2009 for her ‘social bravery’. Devi has not even seen her village for over seven years now as she continues to feed, protect, and take care of her adopted strays. With her dedication and relentless efforts to serve the voiceless, Pratima Devi has proven that it isn’t that difficult to be what we are by birth – humans.
