Indie dogs have been around since…
They're everywhere — lounging in the sun, following schoolchildren, tailing street vendors, or curled up by a tea stall. The Indian street dog, affectionately known as the Indie, is one of the most overlooked animals, yet a much intricate part of our history than any Western breeds, having been found in Mohenjo-daro, too.
But recently, a unique initiative set out to change that.
The Rotary Club of Bombay launched a two-minute awareness film on the plight of Indies, with actor Pooja Bhatt lending her voice to the project. Produced by Nabeel Abbas, Founder and CEO of Epigram, and scripted by Anushree Kandalkar, the short film was a heartfelt appeal to acknowledge the Indie as more than just a street survivor.
Ramesh Narayan, who conceived the project, shares: 'Looking around, you will see the Indie on every street. They are as hardy and caring as any breed dog, but they face the daily challenges of scrounging for food and facing extreme heat and the monsoons. It is heart-rending. So I thought we must begin building the Indie brand. More so at a time when everything Indian is now being looked up to. Let's take pride in our homegrown breed… Indies are old, have been around since Mohenjo-daro.'
Indeed, a pariah-type dog skull was found at the ancient site of Mohenjo-daro, and similar canines appear in Bhimbetka's prehistoric rock art. The Indie dog was also featured in National Geographic's Search for the First Dog, standing proudly alongside ancient breeds like Israel's Canaan Dog and Australia's Dingo.
Don't shop!
Adopt an Indie. pic.twitter.com/7vDpEXDHKs
— Ramesh Narayan (@rameshnarayan) June 4, 2025
Dr Milind Hatekar, Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Aid Pune and Founder of the Asian Foundation of Veterinary Orthopedics and Neurology (AFVON), explained that 'it's a myth that Indie dogs are better than other breeds.' He says: 'In real sense, they have problems of allergies due to a lot of inbreeding. And they may have temperament issues since these dogs like to move and run around freely — and once restricted in flats and confined places, they will have temperament issues.'
This doesn't mean Indies shouldn't be adopted — just that they require the same level of care, love and understanding as any other breed.
'They need equal care as compared to non-hairy breeds of dogs. Since they have a genetic pool supporting the weather in India, they do well in summers,' adds Dr Hatekar.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Inside Tokyo's Renkō-ji Temple: The final resting place of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose?
Credit: Instagram/@shige_japaniguruji Tucked away in a quiet corner of Tokyo's Suginami Ward stands Renkō-ji Temple—a modest, centuries-old Buddhist shrine that has quietly drawn visitors, questions, and emotions for nearly eight decades. Far from a tourist hotspot, this unassuming temple holds an object of immense historical significance and emotional gravity: an urn said to contain the ashes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India's most enigmatic freedom fighters. And with it, Renkō-ji cradles a mystery that continues to haunt Indian memory: did Bose really die in that 1945 plane crash? From revolution to reverence: Bose's Japan connection Subhas Chandra Bose remains a towering figure in India's independence movement, celebrated for his uncompromising stance against British rule and his leadership of the Indian National Army (INA). Unlike Mahatma Gandhi's path of non-violence, Bose believed liberation required force. During World War II, he forged alliances with Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan in hopes of toppling British colonial power. Credit: iStock In 1943, Bose arrived in East Asia, rallying the INA under Japanese sponsorship and setting his eyes on India through Burma. But after Japan's surrender in August 1945, the tide turned. Official accounts claim Bose died on August 18, 1945, after his Japanese military aircraft crashed in Taipei. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Badly burned, he was said to have died two days later, and his remains were cremated and brought to Japan. On September 14, 1945, his ashes were entrusted to the Tokyo Indian Independence League and placed in Renkō-ji Temple following a memorial service. A shrine, a mystery, a memory Renkō-ji Temple was established in 1594 and belongs to the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. Unlike the grand shrines of Kyoto or the iconic temples of Tokyo, Renkō-ji is serene and simple—its architecture quiet, its grounds humble. Yet it holds a significant legacy. At the center of its courtyard stands a bronze bust of Netaji, installed in 1975. Flanked by plaques marking visits from Indian dignitaries—Jawaharlal Nehru in 1957, Indira Gandhi in 1969, Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2001, and others—the site becomes a place of pilgrimage every August 18, when the temple opens for a memorial service marking Bose's reported death anniversary. Inside the main hall, a small golden pagoda holds the urn said to contain his ashes. For the rest of the year, Renkō-ji remains closed to the public, adding to the enigma that surrounds it. Contested remains and unanswered questions But here's where reverence meets controversy. The authenticity of the ashes has long been disputed. While Japanese records and commissions like the 1970 G.D. Khosla Commission affirm Bose's death in the crash, the 2005 Mukherjee Commission disagreed, concluding there was no conclusive evidence Bose died in Taiwan. The Indian government dismissed the Mukherjee findings without explanation, keeping the debate alive. Theories about Bose's fate abound—some claim he escaped to the Soviet Union, others suggest he lived in secrecy in India. Family members, including his daughter Anita Bose Pfaff and grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose, have repeatedly called for DNA testing of the remains. In a 2005 letter, Renkō-ji's then-chief priest confirmed the temple's willingness to permit testing. Yet no test has been conducted, and as of 2025, the ashes remain undisturbed. Credit: iStock Visiting Renkō-ji: A quiet pilgrimage Located about 500 meters from Higashi-Koenji Station, Renkō-ji isn't easy to stumble upon. Hidden in a residential neighborhood and absent of English signage, it's not on most Tokyo travel itineraries. Those who make the journey often describe it as a profoundly emotional experience. Through Sanshi-no-Mori Park and into the temple courtyard, visitors are greeted not with fanfare, but with solemnity. The priests' decades-long guardianship of the ashes—now upheld by Nichiko Mochizuki, the son of Reverend Kyoei Mochizuki—adds a layer of reverence not often seen in global shrines to foreign figures. A legacy awaits closure Despite public interest, political visits, and continued family appeals, no Indian government has made a formal request to repatriate the remains. The Japanese government and temple custodians have signaled their willingness, but the silence from New Delhi remains deafening. In the heart of Tokyo, far from Netaji's birthplace in Cuttack or the battlegrounds of Southeast Asia, Renkō-ji Temple keeps vigil. It holds not just an urn, but a story unfinished—a story of courage, of freedom, and of a nation's unanswered question.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ube, taro, matcha: Milk gets a colourful boost
Milk, the quintessential household staple, has been transformed into a colourful and aesthetic beverage with a range of flavours added to it. While milk retains its fundamental relevance, it's the flavour innovations that are truly capturing attention. A recent report highlights this shift, noting that Gen Z often perceives traditional, plain milk as a 'Boomer beverage'. This demographic's influence has ushered in an era where milk is not just about nutrition, but also about personalised experiences and visual appeal. ' Flavoured milk can be a nutrient-dense beverage option' Flavoured milk drinks often evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, transporting many back to childhood. However, in today's health-conscious landscape, this emotional resonance is overshadowed by the functional benefits sought by consumers. 'With better formulations, including options with lower sugar, functional nutrients and cleaner labels, flavoured milk has become a part of a healthy diet. It is a convenient source of quality protein and carbohydrates for someone with a high energy need. It can be a nutrient-dense beverage option that contributes to recovery and energy without being 'indulgent',' says Dr Simrat Kathuria, a celebrity dietician and wellness coach. Gen Z is highly trend-aware, often discovering global influences online and expecting local offerings to meet the same standards. They demand authenticity and want to see real ingredients to know what they are consuming YuSung Eo, co-founder of a tea brand 'It has the perfect carb to protein ratio for post-workout recovery' While taste remains important, factors like nutritional benefits, ingredients, etc, are also vital. 'Flavoured milk has the perfect 4:1 carb-to-protein ratio for post-exercise muscle recovery. Using low-sugar flavoured milks can provide hydration, satiety, and recovery – all in one beverage,' explains Dr Kathuria. Maryam, a marketing professional, avoids anything too sugary, 'Sugar spikes my energy level. So, I check the protein to carb ratio, and sugar content. I like to know whatever I am consuming is doing something positive for my body,' she says. 'Flavoured milk can be customised for dietary needs' Today, customisation is a lifestyle for consumers. 'Milk is already an integral part of Indian consumption habits. Flavoured milk resonates with people because it builds on something deeply familiar. What makes it exciting is the ability to customise and express individuality through flavour, texture and presentation,' says YuSung Eo, co-founder of a tea brand. Meera, a student in Kolkata, who recently started working out at the gym, has never enjoyed the taste of a protein shake. 'Flavoured milk is not heavy, and tastes far better than a protein shake in plain milk. It is like a little post-workout sweet treat for me,' she shares. 'I prefer to have oat-based flavoured milk because I am lactose intolerant. It not only tastes amazing, but doesn't upset my stomach either. Choosing dairy flavours that help my dietary needs is a blessing in today's time,' says Meher, a chartered accountant in Pune. Popular types of flavoured milks Taro milk, Matcha milk, Protein chocolate milk, Pumpkin spice milk, Ube milk, Banana milk, & Rose milk Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Virat Kohli's playbook for life: 3 books that shaped his mindset beyond cricket
Written by Chanakya Chandrupatla Virat Kohli, one of cricket's most celebrated players, made his debut for the Indian Cricket Team on 18th August 2008—the same year he was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. Known for his explosive batting, unmatched fitness, and aggressive tactics, Kohli has consistently kept opponents on the back foot, challenging their abilities at every turn. Beyond the cricket field, Kohli is also an avid reader who often shares books that have influenced his mindset and personal growth. Here are some of his top recommendations: The 'Autobiography of a Yogi' A spiritual classic published in 1946, this autobiography delves into the teachings of Kriya Yoga and the life of Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. Kohli has mentioned in interviews that the book had a profound impact on his life, calling it a must-read for those open to challenging their thoughts and ideologies. Yogananda was among the first Indian spiritual teachers to settle in the United States, and his book has sold over four million copies worldwide. Notably, he was also one of the first prominent Indians to be hosted at the White House by President Calvin Coolidge. Detox Your Ego: 7 easy steps to achieving freedom, happiness and success in your life The book speaks about one's ego and how does it stop one from performing at their best. The book takes you on a ride and talks the importance of self-discovery. The author talks bout steps to eliminate ego and the ways to achieve freedom, happiness and success in one's life. Kohli said that the book has helped him to control his emotions and stay grounded. The books talks about how a leader should guide without having ego. The book proposes ' Leadership without ego '. It guides the reader by suggesting seven steps to lead a happier, freer and more enhanced life. A fascinating exploration of cross-cultural inspiration, this book aligns with Kohli's own journey of growth and adaptability. It features 70 prominent Indians and Italians sharing their experiences, highlighting the importance of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and peak performance. Through personal anecdotes, the book showcases the mutual influence between the two cultures, making it a compelling read for those interested in global perspectives. ( Chanakya Chandrupatla is an intern at the Indian Express )
