Meet Bhaskar Anna, Chennai’s Animal Savior

Bhaskar, an auto driver from Chennai, has made a remarkable impact on the lives of injured animals in his community. Driven by a deep compassion for animals, Bhaskar borrowed money from friends and family to purchase an auto-rickshaw. However, instead of using it for regular passenger services, he transformed it into a pet ambulance. His motivation stemmed from the distressing sight of injured animals being refused rides in other vehicles, often leaving them without the critical care they needed.

Before 2018, apart from being an auto driver, Bhaskar used to work as an on-call car driver to earn additional income. This led him to meet Vinodhini and Manjula Ganesh, Chennai-based volunteers who feed stray dogs regularly. Every evening, one of them would need a driver to take them from one area to another to feed stray dogs. Inspired by this, Bhaskar started feeding 75 dogs in his area. “I would set aside some money every week from my income to purchase rice and meat. My wife, who works as a cook, would prepare the food, and I would distribute it across various streets surrounding my home,” says Bhaskar.

Bhaskar was driving a rented auto, and his owner was against him taking injured animals in the vehicle. “I gave the auto back to him and decided to purchase my own. Seeing an injured puppy being denied help ignited a spark in me, and I wanted to dedicate my life to helping these voiceless beings. So, I applied for financial assistance to purchase an auto. I received only partial assistance, and invested Rs 40,000 from my savings and by borrowing money from some friends,” says Bhaskar.

Since 2018, Bhaskar has dedicated his auto-rickshaw to transporting injured animals to veterinary hospitals. His service has been a lifeline for countless animals, ensuring they receive timely medical attention. Known affectionately as “Bhaskar Anna,” he has driven hundreds of injured animals to get the care they need, often going out of his way to respond to calls for help at any hour.

In early 2019, once Bhaskar received his auto, he named it ‘Help Voiceless’. Inside, he set up a cage for big dogs, a basket for puppies, and a carrier for cats. He carries some kibble along with water bowls to feed the rescues. His passenger auto now serves as an exclusive ambulance for animals. Bhaskar’s auto-rickshaw is equipped with necessary provisions to safely and comfortably transport animals.

In the last three years, Bhaskar says he has rescued over 200 animals in and around the city. Sometimes, if he notices a litter of newborn puppies, he takes them to veterinary facilities that provide free vaccinations for stray animals. Apart from dogs and cats, Bhaskar also rescues injured birds including crows and pigeons. Sometimes, if he finds dead animals, he takes them to a burial ground and performs their last rites.

His initiative has not only saved lives but also raised awareness about animal welfare in the community. People in Chennai now recognize him as a local hero, and his selfless service has inspired many to contribute to animal rescue efforts. Despite the financial challenges and personal sacrifices, Bhaskar continues his mission, driven by the joy of seeing injured animals recover and thrive. His story highlights the power of individual action and compassion in making a significant difference in society.