During the quarantine restrictions in Patna, when the streets fell silent due to the coronavirus, there was another, unnoticed silence. Thousands of stray dogs and other animals depended on people for daily sustenance. As shops closed and people stayed home, many defenseless creatures suffered from hunger.
It was at this moment that Varsha Raj decided that mourning was not enough—action was necessary. From this decision, the APNA Foundation was born. Varsha Raj is the founder of this NGO, and Ashish Rajan participates in the APNA Foundation as a co-founder. Today, the organization has managed to save over 2000 animals and operates the first specialized animal shelter in Patna.
Since early childhood, Varsha Raj showed a deep affection for animals. Along with her family, her mother cared for cows, birds, and small street dogs. Grain was poured onto the roof daily for the birds, and temporary shelters were made for small and newborn animals. Whenever she returned from school, Varsha always went to these animals.
Her father was a teacher, and the family instilled in her the values of compassion and sensitivity. She studied at DAV Public School, earned a bachelor's degree in zoology from AN College, and trained in classical Indian music. Although her family wanted her to become a doctor or a singer, her path turned out to be different.
In a recent interview with YourStory, Varsha shared: 'The most beautiful memories of my childhood are connected to animals. Perhaps it was then that I understood that being human means not just living for oneself, but also protecting those voiceless creatures whose voice no one hears.'
During the lockdown, Varsha and her companions began delivering food to street animals. Soon, calls started coming in from people requesting treatment for injured dogs and cows. Gradually, this campaign spread throughout Patna.
The time came when she had to choose between studies, career, and this mission. She did not abandon the voiceless. Initially, her family did not approve of this decision, but later it became her greatest support. Varsha explains: 'We felt that if we backed down, many lives would end. Every day some eyes waited for us. That same day we decided this would be our life.'
In the initial stages, running the organization was not easy. Team members conducted tutoring sessions, organized small musical events, and spent a significant portion of their earnings on food, medicine, and animal treatment. Today, the organization functions primarily through private donors and social media support, although collecting monthly funds for shelter maintenance and medical care remains the biggest challenge.
APNA Foundation has successfully facilitated the adoption of over 500 animals to date. Currently, APNA Foundation has a core team of three members, along with volunteers in various fields. The organization's shelter houses 34 permanent dogs and one cow. Additionally, over 100 street dogs are fed daily.
As soon as information about an injured animal arrives, the team goes to the location. After treatment and recovery, the animal gets better. If possible, it is found a new family; otherwise, it is safely released in the same area from which it was rescued.
To date, the organization has completed saving over 2000 animals, assisted over 1000 animals, performed over 800 sterilizations, over 1000 vaccinations, and executed over 500 successful adoptions.
Varsha asserts: 'Saving is not just about getting an animal to the hospital. The real responsibility lies in treatment, restoring trust, and ensuring a safe life. When an injured animal stands up again or finds a new family, all the hard work seems worthwhile.'
One such example is Himmat Singh (dog's name). As a result of a road accident, he had one leg amputated, and a metal rod was installed in the other. After several surgeries, he now walks on three legs. His gait may have changed, but not his courage to live.
Under the guidance of Varsha Raj and Ashish Rajan, APNA Foundation has saved over 2000 animals and manages the first specialized animal shelter in Patna.
Varsha believes that the main problem lies not in financial resources but in societal mentality. Even now, many people view stray animals merely as an inconvenience. For this reason, the organization conducts awareness campaigns alongside rescue operations.
The organization urges people to adopt needy Indian breed animals instead of buying expensive foreign breed pets. Before adoption, the family undergoes a screening, and regular contact is maintained afterward.
Efforts are also being made at the governmental level. The Animal Welfare Board of India has released detailed guidelines to promote the care, sterilization, and vaccination of community animals and responsible coexistence. Their goal is to find a balance between animal welfare and public health.
Varsha Raj's dream is to create a modern veterinary clinic and a large animal sanctuary where all animals, big and small, can receive treatment, rehabilitation, and a safe haven.
She says: 'If there is room for voiceless creatures in your heart, do not be afraid to take the first step. The beginning will be small, there will be difficulties, but change will surely become noticeable. In any noble cause, the most important things are courage and patience.'
Varsha Raj's story is not just the story of founding an organization. It is a story of trust that cannot speak but can be felt. It reminds us that big changes do not always start with big resources. Often, they start with a bowl of food, timely treatment, and the firm decision of one person.
