Leadership Lessons From My Journey In Animal Welfare Beneficial Across Domains

I initially pursued a career in interior design and advertising, graduating from the J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai. However, my passion for animal welfare, which I had nurtured since childhood, eventually led me down a very different path. My roots lie in Mumbai. Thereafter, I moved to Agra in 1985 where my journey in animal welfare began as a founding member and Trustee of the "Animal Lover's Association" NGO. Today, I am serving as the Managing Trustee at Help in Suffering (HIS), a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating the suffering of street animals in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

My Journey In Animal Welfare 

My journey in the animal welfare sector has been filled with invaluable lessons that have profoundly shaped my approach to leadership. Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve gathered insights that I believe are beneficial not just within animal advocacy, but across various domains.

I spent my early childhood in Tirodi a village in Madhya Pradesh. Living in a house on a hilltop surrounded by Jungles and wild animals, I grew up watching Languor, snakes, scorpions, Jackals, Leopards and sometimes tigers I was surrounded by diverse creatures.

Animals have always held a special place in my heart since the early age of five. Growing up in an environment where I developed a profound love for them, I felt a strong responsibility to protect and care for them. A significant turning point was when I witnessed the cruel treatment of performing animals such as snakes, monkeys and bears. This ignited my resolve to advocate for their welfare and ultimately changed the trajectory of my career. 

The turning point came when I co-founded the Animal Lover's Association in Agra. Witnessing firsthand the maltreatment of animals when I rescued an injured donkey from a flowing drain. Missions and protests showed me the urgent need for dedicated animal welfare efforts. This experience cemented my decision to transition from interior design to full-time social welfare activities.

My journey began by co-founding the Animal Lover’s Association in Agra. One of the first significant steps was organizing rescue missions and protests to raise awareness about the maltreatment of performing animals. This grassroots advocacy laid the foundation for my continued efforts in animal welfare. While interior design was a creative passion, my heart was always with animal welfare. In 2001, after moving to Jaipur, I joined Help in Suffering (HIS) as a volunteer. My commitment and involvement deepened over time, leading to my appointment as the Managing Trustee. The transition was a result of my increasing dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of animals.

Lesson 1: Advocacy over competition

Early on, I realized that the world needs more advocates for animal welfare, and there should be no room for competition or jealousy among organizations. Despite working in a sector that might easily fall into competition over resources and recognition My focus has always been on collaboration rather than rivalry. By fostering a cooperative environment among activists and organizations who share the same goal, we can amplify our impact. I believe unity and collective efforts are crucial in achieving greater success in any field.

Lesson 2: There is value in diverse approaches - pursue excellence in what you choose to do

Throughout my work, I’ve seen the effectiveness of various approaches to animal welfare. While I dedicated myself to direct care rather than activism, I’ve always acknowledged the impact of those who take the activist route. I respect the diverse methods within our cause, understanding that multiple avenues can lead to the same ultimate goal. As a leader, valuing different strategies and appreciating the strengths that each brings is essential. Focusing on making every initiative as effective and humane as possible has been a testament to my dedication to excellence. Whether setting benchmarks for inhumane methods of animal birth control or establishing rescue centres, meticulous planning and execution are key for impactful outcomes. I believe in quality over quantity, underscoring that how we do something is just as important as what we do. Execution quality determines the real-world impact of our initiatives.

Lesson 3: Empathy and inclusive teamwork

Empathy is a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. I emphasize the importance of appreciating the contributions of every team member, understanding their challenges, and fostering a motivational environment. By being considerate and supportive, I ensure that everyone feels valued and motivated, regardless of their struggles or pace. Building a cohesive team where inclusivity and empathy drive productivity and morale is something I strive for.

Lesson 4: Commitment to core beliefs

Staying true to my core beliefs, especially under pressure, has been vital. My unwavering dedication to direct animal care emphasizes the importance of sticking to one’s passion and principles. This authenticity fosters trust and confidence. In a world where external pressures and trends can easily sway us, remaining steadfast in our commitment to our cause is crucial for inspiring confidence and respect.

Lesson 5: Focus on sustainability and education

I have always emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable practices and humane education in animal welfare. This forward-thinking approach ensures that our current efforts have long-term positive impacts. Developing programs like the Camel Rescue Center and humane animal birth control initiatives is part of creating effective, sustainable solutions. Additionally, by fostering humane education in schools, I aim to ingrain compassion and understanding in younger generations. This approach underscores my belief in holistic growth and sustainability.

Integrating the Lessons

Here’s how these lessons from my leadership journey can be applied broadly:

Advocacy over competition: By fostering a spirit of collaboration, we promote a united front that can more effectively tackle common challenges.

Value in diversity and aim for excellence in execution: Acknowledging and integrating different approaches broadens the impact and fosters innovation. The quality of execution determines the real-world impact of leadership efforts.

Empathy: Leading with empathy helps build strong, motivated teams that drive success.

Commitment to core beliefs: Staying true to one’s core values fosters authenticity and trust, which are crucial in any leadership role.

Sustainability and education: Forward-thinking leaders work towards solutions that are effective now and sustainable in the future.