Mumbai, India: In a heartfelt tribute to a national icon and a national treasure, CJ Memorial Trust, along with animal welfare organizations including FIAPO, IAF, CARE, Humane World for Animals India, PETA, CUPA and Indie supporters across India, are proud to dedicate December 28th—the birthday of Mr. Ratan Tata—as National Indie Dog Day. And to remind us that – ‘Indies are the New Cool’
While one day is never enough to celebrate a companion as loyal and ancient as the Indian Native Dog, there is no better date to dedicate to them than the birth date of one of their greatest champions. Mr. Ratan Tata has long been the “Brand Custodian” of the voiceless, elevating the humble street dog to a resident of Bombay House and proving that compassion is the ultimate sign of leadership. All of us who love our country, should also direct our attention to our own Indian dogs, and be #IndieProud!
“Made in India” Meets “Born in India” . We are proud of country, our citizens and our culture. Just as Mr. Tata championed Indian industry, this patriotic and compassionate initiative champions India’s own canine heritage. From the wonderful Indie dogs many Indian families have chosen to adopt, the resilient community dogs on our streets to the majestic Mudhol Hounds of the Deccan, the ‘Indie’ is intelligent, hardy, and unconditionally loving.
“We are aligning the spirit of the ‘Indie’—resilient, street-smart, and loyal—as a tribute to the ethos of Mr. Tata: dignity and kindness,” says Priya Chetty-Rajagopal, Founder Trustee, CJ Memorial Trust. “He showed us that you don’t need a pedigree to have a heart of gold. By marking his date of birth as Indie Dog Day, we hope to shift the narrative from ‘stray dog’ to ‘cherished Indie’.”
A United Voice for Welfare This initiative is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. It urges citizens to look at the Indies in their homes and on their streets with renewed pride. Be #IndieProud! The movement is supported by leading animal welfare bodies, uniting for a common cause.
I am delighted at the launch of Indie Dog Day. Whether in our homes, our communities, or now in our Armed Forces, Indian breeds, need to celebrated for their resilience, their protection and the unconditional love they provide , Happy Indie Dog Day , everyone!
Alokparna Sengupta, managing director, Humane World for Animals, said, “”This dedication is a masterstroke for animal rights in India. Celebrating the Indie on this specific day reminds us that kindness is a daily duty. Recognizing our native breeds and community dogs is long overdue. This platform gives them the stature they deserve.”
Sudha Narayanan, Founder Trustee , CARE, shared, “Of all the days that we have earmarked, it’s funny that a day for our Indie Dogs took so long to become a reality. Yay for our Indies! So happy we can get to celebrate them on a date that all dog lovers will remember- Ratan Tata’s birthday.”
Rekha Raghunathan , CEO, India Animal Fund said, “Ratan Tata’s love for dogs is legendary. Its time our supercool but ignored and underappreciated, Indies got their day in the sun – and what better way than this? This day will inspire millions to open their hearts and homes to an Indie.”
Bharathi Ramachandran, CEO, FIAPO stated, “They say that every dog has their day . For our Indie Dogs, that day is about celebration – of intelligent, playful, deeply loving dogs who greet us with love and joy on the streets and our homes. Indie, Desi Dogs are hardy affectionate companions who deserve loving homes and the same warmth and happiness they so generously give us every day.”
Poorva Joshipura, PETA International President & PETA India Director said, “The Movement The initiative, anchored at www.indiedogday.com, helps mainstream Indian dogs, invites every Indian to focus their gaze on the Indie Dog, and participate not just by adopting, but by co-existing.”
Whether it is a bowl of water for a community dog, adopting an Indie, appreciating a Kombai or simply speaking up for the voiceless, December 28th marks a pledge to be prouder partners and better neighbours to our oldest friends.
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