It was an expression of hope and light for animal rights. When DimpleKapadia displayed for sale her candle collection last week in The Oberoi,New Delhi, in aid of People for Animals, it not only helped raise funds forthe nonprofit, but also drew the community attention to the animal rights.``It's very satisfying to contribute to a worthwhile cause,'' said theactress-turned-entrepreneur.Candle making is a passion with her. She channels her artistic creativity tobreathe life into candles, even infusing them with the aroma of rare herbs,spices and flowers, and showcasing them in collectors' pots. ``It'swonderful giving shape to your imagination,'' said she. The candles pricedbetween Rs 25 and Rs 25,000 are retailed in high-end department stores inmetros under her the lable, The Faraway Tree. A share of the proceeds fromthe Delhi show was meant for People for Animals for purchasing a newambulance for a free 24-hour ambulance service for rescue and rehabilitationof injured animals from the streets of Delhi. People for Animals is India'slargest animal welfare organisation.
The nonprofit has been time and again supported by the artistic community inits campaigns. Said Gautam Grover, president of People For Animals: ``We areplanning some more cultural and arts events this year.'' Maneka Gandhi,chairperson of People For Animals, added, ``Such events not only help raisefunds but also the awareness level of people about animal rights.'' Thenonprofit is always on the lookout for innovative means to draw attention toits cause. ``This is one reason why we moved away from predictable artauction this time. Besides, art auctions involve limited works, which areusually very costly, thereby confining the event to a select set ofpeople.'' The idea is to make the campaign for animal rights a massmovement, and not to confine it to the already informed.
And considering that corporates like JK Industries Ltd, Dahur India Ltd,Jindal steel & Power Ltd, etc, also chipped in this time, it does not seemto be a lonely battle for animal rights activists. Said Pierre Jochem,general manager with Oberoi, on the occasion: ``We are proud to beassociated with People For animals, which is translating India's traditionalvalues of compassion and non-violence into action for needy animals.'' Headded, ``The Oberoi has always endeavoured to fulfill its commitment as aconscientious corporate citizen through its consistent support of sociallyrelevant causes. A platform such as this enables us to put back into societywhat we as an organisation get in abundance.''
Animal agenda
People For Animals aims to:
Campaign for the ethical treatment of animals
Set up animal hospitals and shelters
Stop the killing of stray animals
Preserve wildlife in natural habitat
Lobby for animal welfare measures
Ban the misuse of animals in movies
Campaign for proper animal rights laws
Rescue performing animals
Stop the testing of drugs and cosmetics on animals
Close down the trade in furs and minks
Protect endangered species
Stop wild game hunting
Close down illegal private zoos
Network with animals organizations worldwide
Educate people to give up ritual animal sacrifice
Stop the dissection of animals in educational institutionsCopyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.