We asked Ms. Vadassery about her experience and what prompted her to pursue this cause and here is what she has to say:
You are an animal activist and passionate about this cause. What inspired you to work towards creating awareness among the public about animal exploitation and abuse issues?
Before lockdown, my association with animals was limited to my local area. With the impression that COVID-19 spread via animals, people needlessly harmed quiet, lone community animals. One case that has stayed with me all this time was of a pregnant cat, who was abused with her paws burnt off and then flung to the corner of a street left to die. Fortunately, the street she was abandoned on was mine, and I immediately took her in to help her recuperate and survive. These experiences lead me to educate the common populace about the harsh realities our community animals face. They truly are victims of senseless violence, and my message to all is “If you cannot care for them, don’t harm them.”
Tell us more about your journey and experience, as well as key achievements and learnings.
As an animal welfarist, the journey has been challenging and gratifying. Each rescue has taught me a plethora of realities. The pain the animal feels that contrasted by the indifference people show. At times I am left wondering does humanity exists. Every life saved adds to my experience and a story to the page of my life. As far as achievements and learnings are concerned, the fact that I can help an animal, save a life and be human is an achievement.
Have you faced any barriers being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them, and key takeaways?
A lot of times, animals in distress are in isolated locations, or areas of the city deemed unsafe at odd hours. It is challenging to respond to these calls. Another challenge is dealing with law enforcement officials. Being heard and taken seriously is a struggle that every woman faces. It is no different for a female animal activist. Over the years, my commitment and resolve towards animal welfare have empowered me to tackle these challenges head-on. While it is always either a mental battle when I head out late at night or hyper-vigilance When I am rescuing an animal the look in the eyes of the animal in distress when they realize, they’re being helped and trust this makes it all worthwhile.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women who wish to diversify/pursue similar interests?
My advice to young women is simple: be bold, be unyielding and be forthright. Any welfare work adds a whole new fulfilling and empowering dimension to your life. You will face challenges; witness truly gritty and disheartening visuals and it will always be an uphill battle. But, at the end of the day, that one life you change, will make every struggle worthwhile. My years of animal welfare work have helped me grow as a person and shaped me to be the woman I believed I was incapable of being. Society will label you crazy and unfit to be a part of it. I say those aren’t insults, those are compliments. So get involved, do your part and be the anti-social misfit you’re meant to be.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Maneka Gandhi (Founder – People for Animals) is like-minded and actively helps us to be a voice for the voiceless.
#SHErocks #BreakTheBias #jsastories
