In the midst of ongoing Supreme Court hearings concerning the management of stray dogs across India, acclaimed playback singer Mohit Chauhan has stepped forward with a powerful musical plea. He has released a new song titled 'Meri Aawaz' to advocate for the humane treatment of community dogs and other voiceless animals.
A Voice for the Voiceless: The Inspiration Behind the Song
The singer, who also performed at a protest in Delhi on Sunday pushing for compassionate policies, revealed that the track was born from years of personal involvement with street animals. Chauhan personally cares for over 400 dogs and other stray animals. The immediate spark for the composition was the growing discourse around relocating all street dogs into shelters, particularly recommendations by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) for very confined shelter spaces.
"The thought that this life of coexistence could suddenly be taken away was very disturbing," Chauhan expressed, referring to the current reality where many street dogs live among communities that love and feed them. His wife, writer and lyricist Prarthana, translated these complex emotions into words for the song. Together with video editor Abhinay Soni and Raaj Aashoo, they created a poignant visual narrative to accompany the music.
Compassion Over Cruelty: The Call for Scientific Solutions
For Chauhan, the song serves a dual purpose: it is both a personal emotional outlet and a deliberate effort to amplify a cause. "Music has the power to translate silence into feeling," he stated, hoping the composition fosters genuine empathy. He also sees it as a tribute to the millions of silent caregivers worldwide who dedicate their lives to protecting animals.
On the heated public debate around street dogs, the singer advocates for a fundamental shift in perspective. He believes the focus must move from fear and blame to understanding and coexistence. Chauhan strongly endorses compassionate, scientific solutions as the only sustainable way forward.
"The way forward lies in compassionate, scientific solutions – such as sterilisation, vaccination, and community-based care – not cruelty," he emphasized. He argued that issues like overpopulation and rabies can be effectively managed if municipalities are properly funded and collaborate with animal caregivers.
Highlighting Legal Gaps and Cultural Legacy
The singer did not shy away from criticizing the severe inadequacies in India's animal protection laws. He pointed out that animals, especially dogs, continue to face widespread abuse and violence, yet penalties remain shockingly low, with fines as minimal as ₹50 in some cases. He called for urgent attention to strengthen these laws and ensure stricter enforcement.
Chauhan also reminded everyone of India's deep cultural respect for animals, referencing scriptures and traditions where animals are seen as companions and protectors. He specifically mentioned the significance of dogs, from references in the Vedas to Lord Bhairava's vahana (vehicle) being a dog.
For Mohit Chauhan, compassion is non-negotiable. "As an artiste, I believe I have a responsibility to use my voice for something meaningful," he said. He concluded that caring for animals is not an act of charity but a recognition of shared life and inherent dignity, a cause that keeps him grounded and connected to what truly matters.
