The opening session of the Koshala Literature Festival in Lucknow, held on Sunday, became a powerful platform for young changemakers. Titled 'Revolutionary Voices of Lucknow,' the session shifted the focus from literary discourse to pressing grassroots realities, with concerns over stray dog management and ensuring dignified last rites for the underprivileged taking center stage.
Voices for the Voiceless: Stray Dogs and Urban Compassion
The panel, featuring social activists Versha Verma, Ruchi Kishore, Nilay Agarwal, and Harshit Singh, was skillfully moderated by Aanchal Awasthi. They shed light on a spectrum of community-driven initiatives, from nationwide blood donation coordination to educational support for underprivileged children.
A significant part of the discussion revolved around the growing debate on how Indian cities manage their street dog populations. Animal rights activist Ruchi Kishore did not mince words, strongly criticizing the prevalent practice of catching and dumping stray dogs in remote areas. She labeled this method "a death sentence" for the animals, highlighting its cruelty and inefficacy.
Amid rapid urbanization and the consequent shrinking of natural spaces, Kishore issued a heartfelt appeal. She urged every citizen to adopt "one act of kindness every day" to rebuild a culture of compassion within communities, starting with the treatment of urban animals.
A Journey of Dignity: Cremating Over 8,000 Unclaimed Bodies
Another deeply moving narrative came from social activist Versha Verma, who shared her harrowing yet inspiring experiences during the devastating second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. When systems were overwhelmed, Verma stepped in to provide free transport for deceased individuals and assisted grieving families in performing last rites.
In a staggering testament to her dedication, she revealed that her efforts ensured dignified cremations for over 8,000 unclaimed bodies. Reflecting on the profound moment that set her on this path, Verma recounted, "At 14, I saw bodies taken away without extending dignity in death. When no one came forward, I began performing last rites myself — that's how my journey started." Her story underscored a critical gap in social welfare and the power of individual initiative.
The Lasting Impact of Grassroots Action
The session successfully highlighted how local activism is addressing some of society's most challenging issues. The discussions on animal welfare rules and the ethical treatment of stray dogs, coupled with the powerful testimony on providing dignified last rites, left a lasting impression on the audience. The 'Revolutionary Voices of Lucknow' proved that change often begins with a single, compassionate act, inspiring others to look within their own communities and make a difference.
