“My journey into animal welfare started with a little stray puppy I named Raju. I was working in Pune back then, and every day after work, Raju would run up to me, wagging his tail, just waiting for food and a bit of attention. But one evening, he didn’t show up. When I found him, he’d been hit by a car. I rushed him to Blue Cross, and after weeks of recovery, I couldn’t leave him behind—I brought him home. It’s amazing how one small life can change your entire perspective.
Over time, I began to notice the countless other strays struggling on the streets, especially with something as basic as clean drinking water. In our cities, there are very few places where animals can find fresh water. And in 2017, I knew I had to do something about it. So, I left my IT career and founded the Animals Water Bowl Project (AWBP) Trust. The idea was to provide clean water to stray animals all throughout the year, not just during the summer. But more than that, I wanted to create a community where everyone felt responsible for the animals around them.
One of our main focuses is Water Bowl Distribution for Animals. We distribute water bowls across India, free of charge, but there’s one condition: whoever receives a bowl has to commit to keeping it filled every single day. That’s how we make sure people actively participate. So far, we’ve given out around 6,400 bowls across 14 districts, and we’re not stopping. We’re expanding, one district at a time. The goal isn’t just about water; it’s about reconnecting with the animals around us and treating them with the care they deserve.
Education is equally important to us. I believe that once people understand the need, compassion towards animals follows naturally. We work with schools, colleges, and even companies, holding workshops on animal welfare and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Every year, we run a nationwide competition with poetry, artwork, and essay writing categories from August to October. People of all ages participate, and it’s amazing to see the thought and empathy they put into their work. We give out certificates and prizes, hoping that it’s more than just a competition-it’s a way to inspire a new perspective to establish compassion towards animals.
Music also plays a big role in our outreach. Over the years, AWBP has released three music albums dedicated to animal welfare, with more in the works. There’s something about music that touches people in ways that words sometimes can’t. Each album serves as a reminder of the silent struggles of animals, and we’ve found it’s one of the most powerful ways to spread our message.
Another big step for AWBP came in 2020 when I started ANINV (Animals Invention), the research and development side of our work. With ANINV, we’re focused on creating practical solutions for the challenges animals face, especially in urban areas. Whether it’s tools to ensure safer access to water or other innovations, our aim is to make everyday life better for animals. We’re working on sustainable solutions that will have a long-lasting impact on animal welfare.
I also wanted to reach younger generations, so I wrote a children’s book called The Journey of Bunty and Chinku.
It’s a story designed to teach kids about kindness and responsibility toward animals. If we can instill these values early, there’s hope that they’ll grow up to build a world where compassion isn’t the exception but the norm.
Looking back, I never thought I’d end up here, dedicating my life entirely to animal welfare. Leaving my IT career was a big decision, but every time I see a stray drinking from one of our bowls or hear someone’s story of how they were inspired by AWBP, I know it was worth it. This work isn’t easy, but it’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.
To anyone who feels like they can’t make a difference, I’d say: start small. Offer a bowl of water, a bit of food, or a kind gesture. Change begins with these small actions, and if enough of us take them, we can build a community where every animal is seen, cared for, and respected.”
- Lakshman Molleti, Founder, AWBP Trust