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Being swadeshi in spirit truly espouses the call of going local. And when it comes to all things desi, how can indie breeds be left out of the narrative? The pandemicinduced lockdowns saw many celebrities voicing the cause of indies, renewing hope for a better life for these oft neglected animals. Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan adopted two desis. Filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder and her daughter helped raise money to feed strays. Skipper Virat Kohli also posted about a monthlong indie adoptathon in Bengaluru.
“There’s an increase in adoptions and queries for fostering as people are working from home. Another reason is the endorsement by celebs and social media influencers, who’ve adopted indies. Inko dekh ke logo ko lagta hai if they can do it, why can’t we,” says Delhi-based Archana Panchal, who runs a shelter for rescued animals.
Gurugram-based Amritika Phool, who works for animal welfare, points out how pop culture influences people’s buying habits. “There was a huge surge in the demand for pugs with an ad campaign, but then it stopped,” she says, adding that pets are often associated with a person’s economic status. “If indies are being adopted by celebrities, it will encourage people to follow suit,” adds Phool, who has got indie dogs adopted not just in India but in the US, too.
Geetansh Pasan, a student who has helped get many indies adopted, believes that it helps discourage forced breeding of exotic breeds.
“It’s a misconception that strays are bound to have health issues or a tendency to bite. Instead, they have a stronger immunity and are great watch dogs,” he says.