BENGALURU, 26 MARCH

In a City like Bengaluru, battling rapid urbanisation and acute water scarcity, ensuring access to clean drinking water is a challenge not just for humans, but for animals as well. Water for Voiceless (WFV), a non-profit organisation founded in 2015, has been working to feed the animals.

WFV's journey began as a single man's initiative. Jain Sunny Hastimal, the founder of WFV, told Salar News “All of this started around nine years back when I accidentally ran over a puppy while driving. I tried to save it but after 5 days in a vet clinic, it died. After six months, I saw a similar puppy struggling to drink water from drainage. That is when I decided to keep water bowls and encouraged my friends and relatives to do the same. We have distributed more than 76,000 free water bowls to animal lovers and caretakers across 27 cities in 11 states. Imagine the countless birds and animals that have benefited from these bowls.”

The impact of WFV extends beyond quenching thirst. By fostering a network of volunteers and organising awareness programmes, they've nurtured a sense of community and animal welfare. "We've witnessed citizens who began by providing water, transform into compassionate advocates for animal welfare. This has fostered a spirit of kindness, with even children actively participating in animal welfare activities," Hastimal said.

Despite the water shortage in Bengaluru, WFV perseveres through their network of volunteers. "We have distribution points across the City and we only give water bowls. Our volunteers keep water bowls with them and refill them for stray animals. Even with the water shortage many people have ordered and taken water bowls,” said Rahul A Bhutoria, a WFV team member.

Funding remains a major hurdle for WFV as relies solely on donations and support from private individuals and organisations. "Like any other project, funds are crucial for our work. Thankfully, many generous individuals and organisations have donated to this noble cause, but financial constraints remain a constant battle," Bhutoria said.