Latest news with #RotaryClubofBombay
Indian Express
5 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
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. — 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.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Creating A Safe Space For Indie Dogs: Ramesh Narayan Launches Special Short Film And Book
Last Updated: The adman said he decided he should take baby steps at least and start the movement to establish the indie as a brand For advertising mogul Ramesh Narayan, indie dogs have always been more than just pets; they are family. Currently, he is busy with the launch of his short film and a lavish coffee table book titled Missy's Musings. Speaking about the inspiration behind his mission to create a safe environment for indie dogs, he says, 'We have had indies at home for some time now. Missy is our third indie, and in fact, one of them, Peppy, was brought home from Chennai. She was found on the roads there. We have experienced the real love and joy of having an Indian dog. [However,] if you happen to go out on a walk, you will see that 10 out of 10 dogs on a leash are these breed dogs. So, as an advertising person, I thought that the only reason why anyone would not have an indie is that it is not a brand. For example, Vodafone made the pug into a brand. Unfortunately for the pug, the advertising still worked. So, I thought that we should take baby steps at least and start the movement to establish the indie as a brand. The time is right. Everything Indian now is good. When we start building the brand, I hope it'll have a lot more value than it has now." So, when did his love for dogs begin? Reflecting on this, he says, 'Many years ago, when our son was about 12, he's now 30, so about 18 years ago, he came to me and said, 'I want a dog, Daddy'. And he was after me, pestering. I asked him, 'What kind of a dog would you like, Sunny?' And he said, 'I would like a pug.' I asked him, 'Do you want a dog or you want a brand?' And he said, 'What does that mean? I don't understand.' So I said, 'Go and ask your mom and come back the next day'. He came back the next day and said, 'Dad, I want a dog.' And at that time, Welfare for Stray Dogs was holding an adoption drive. So we went, and the first dog, who was an indie, Sugar, came home. And then after you experience it once, you are sold on it." According to Narayan, indie dogs are just as good as other breeds. 'It is hardy, low maintenance, and as loving and caring as any other dog. And it's free! What more do you want?" he says. Talking about his short film and book, he explains, 'The entire film has been made as a labour of love. I happened to mention it to Nabil Abbas, who's a well-known entertainment industry personality. He said, 'I am there for you.' Pooja Bhatt said, 'I would love to act in this film.' She also lent her voice to it. And so I have made this now in the name of the Rotary Club of Bombay." He further says, 'During Covid, I had this idea: can a dog write? And I said, 'I'll try it.' And amazingly, I found a whole lot of people were playing along with it. And slowly, I found that Missy had a larger following than I had. However, if the idea is to create a brand, it has to be properly presented in a coffee table book and richly illustrated." First Published: June 03, 2025, 21:03 IST
