In the heart of Srinagar, Khushi Gillani emerges as a beacon of hope for street animals, bridging the gap between the serene landscapes and the harsh realities faced by our four-legged companions. Born in Delhi and raised amidst the picturesque landscapes of Srinagar, Khushi’s journey is a testament to compassion and determination in alleviating the suffering of animals.
Khushi’s childhood love for animals laid the foundation for ‘Prayas,’ an initiative she founded in 2022. What began as a one-day bake sale has surpassed all expectations, evolving into a comprehensive effort to safeguard the welfare of street animals.
“The money that I got from my first exhibition at Gold Room was about Rupees 1 lakh, and 90% of it went to animal husbandry, animal rescue, and other NGOs,” Khushi expressed, highlighting the positive response from friends, relatives, and unexpected allies, including government departments, NGOs, and hospitals.
Supported by her parents, Khushi merged her love for baking with her passion for animal welfare. Overcoming challenges and skepticism, she persevered, combining her non-vegetarian lifestyle with a strong advocacy for animal rights.
Her recent exhibition at the Gold Room in Srinagar, featuring scented candles as a unique fundraising approach, garnered a substantial amount of 1 lakh rupees. These funds were directed to the Animal Husbandry department, ensuring vital supplies reached the voiceless inhabitants of the streets.
Khushi acknowledges the crucial support from the government, animal husbandry, and other NGOs, emphasizing that Prayas is not just an initiative but an ongoing effort to create a better life for animals.
In a closing message, Khushi imparts a poignant lesson: “Just because they can’t speak, it does not mean they don’t feel.” Her words echo as a plea for empathy, embodying the spirit of ‘Prayas’—an endeavor to illuminate the path towards a more compassionate world for all creatures, great and small.
