For this week’s Service Spotlight, I’d like to take us halfway across the world to Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India where we find Lakshman Molleti, a fellow grantee from The Pollination Project. Without further ado, allow me to introduce Lakshman Molleti and Animals Water Bowl Project (AWBP) India.
Liz: Let’s start in traditional “Smile Project” fashion. Give me a Happiness is.
Lakshman: Happiness is something which I feel when I serve needy creatures like animals or humans.
Liz: Tell me about Animals Water Bowl Project (AWBP) India.
Lakshman: THOUGHT - Like humans, water is a basic necessity for all the animals and sufferers from various health challenges like dehydration, skin infections, fever and viral infections because of the unavailability of drinking water. Many even lose their lives because of this issue. If we are able to provide these animals with healthier surroundings, they will be less prone to diseases, which, in turn, will provide us a healthier environment to live in. This thought led to the initiation of the Animals Water Bowl Project (AWBP) India.
VISION - The vision of this project is to ensure that every stray animal gets safe drinking water around the clock, throughout the year. We also aim to connect humans with animals.
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Lakshman: Animals are a species on this planet facing lot of challenges (like polluted water/ food, no medical support) compared to humans. Unfortunately, their rights are not well implemented and also these species are very badly exploited in the name of business/ tradition/culture by human beings. This made me to come with a project. Our focus is to transform every individual human being to be a leader for stray animals in their community and be a good caretaker for stray animals.
Liz: What does service mean to you?
Lakshman: Serving the poor creatures like animals and humans is the way to connect with real happiness. This approach is the path for inducing positive energy in oneself and keeping away negative attitudes, thereby one can obtain peace and real happiness in one's life. Keep supporting all poor creatures without any discrimination between humans and animals. My complete focus is towards animal welfare and rights as they badly need humans who can speak for them as the challenges are huge.
Liz: How can people get involved?
Lakshman: If you like this project, you can support us in different ways..
2. To donate.
3. To volunteer.
Liz: Anything else you'd like to add?
Lakshman: Veganism is the way to improve the welfare of humans and the environment. Please be a responsible citizen on this planet by choosing veganism and also take care of animals in your community. Let's not discriminate animals saying that humans are superior to them. Please treat them equally like we see humans.
Liz: Do you have a favorite quote?
"If your aim is to build better communities on this planet, your movement should start with the animal cruelty-free world."
- Lakshman Molleti
