60-year-old Sulakshmi Das Gupta is like fairy godmother to Delhi’s stray dogs, feeding and caring for over 500 of them each day. Dogs are more like children to this animal lover.
Sulakshmi and her husband Pinaki Das Gupta have been taking care of street dogs for more than 15 years, providing them with food and medical attention. She cooks over 250 kilograms of rice and meat every day, with the help of three other volunteers, for the dogs across several localities in Delhi. The food is served to the dogs in eco-friendly plates that are later disposed neatly as well. She even provides shelter to newborn pups.
According to her, approximately 20 dogs need medical attention every day—this includes X-rays, operations and postoperative care. Around 50 accident victims are cared for every month and up to 7 dogs are sterilized each week. Of course, a great deal of credit goes to her husband who provides the financial assistance for the initiative and also wholeheartedly stands by her side.
But Sulakshmi’s efforts are often criticized because the dogs breed uncontrollably. Sulakshmi has also set-up Swargasaathi Charitable Trust to which people can donate.
