On August 14, 2025, Nikita Ghag — Founder of DAWA India and Vice President of BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi — made a powerful yet silent statement at Joggers Park, Bandra West. The gathering was not about raising voices, but about raising awareness for those who cannot speak for themselves — India’s stray dogs.
The occasion was in response to the Supreme Court’s recent verdict ordering the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi NCR to shelters within eight weeks. While the judgment is aimed at addressing public safety concerns following a few reported rabies incidents, animal welfare activists fear it could lead to overcrowding, neglect, and suffering for thousands of street animals.
Why the Protest Was Needed
Nikita Ghag’s protest was more than a reaction; it was a call for balanced solutions.
India has an estimated 5.5 lakh stray dogs in Delhi NCR alone. Relocating them all within such a short timeline raises critical questions:
- Infrastructure Gap: Does India have enough well-equipped shelters to house such a large number of dogs?
- Funding & Management: Many shelters are already struggling due to lack of funds and support.
- Animal Welfare Concerns: Rapid relocation without proper facilities could result in poor living conditions, disease outbreaks, and even deaths.
As Nikita highlighted during her discussions with attendees, the verdict risks punishing animals for human administrative failures.
A Silent Gathering With a Loud Message
From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, over 300 participants — including animal lovers, activists, and concerned citizens — joined the peaceful demonstration.
Key elements of the protest included:
- Silent Unity: No shouting, no slogans — just placards, compassion, and collective presence.
- Solution-Focused Dialogue: Discussions on humane alternatives such as large-scale sterilization drives, vaccination campaigns, and public awareness programs.
- Signature Campaign: DAWA India initiated a petition urging policymakers to reconsider the verdict and adopt a sustainable, humane plan.
- Police Support: Special thanks were extended to the Bandra Police team for their cooperation and understanding.
What Nikita Ghag Stands For
Through this protest, Nikita reinforced her belief that true independence is not just about human rights but also about protecting the voiceless.
“Our nation’s progress must be measured by how we treat its most vulnerable — and that includes our animals,” she shared with participants.
Her track record with DAWA India already includes:
- Free sterilization campaigns
- Animal feeding drives
- Public education workshops on coexistence with street animals
Moving Forward: From Courtrooms to Communities
While the legal battle continues, Nikita’s focus remains on community-driven change. Her action plan includes:
- Collaboration with NGOs & Vet Clinics for mass sterilization.
- Awareness Drives in Schools & Societies to reduce fear and misconceptions about stray dogs.
- Fundraising for Shelter Upgrades to improve existing facilities.
She has also called upon animal lovers nationwide to participate in the petition and push for dialogue with policymakers.
How You Can Help
- Sign the Petition – Support the cause to ensure humane treatment for stray dogs.
- Volunteer – Join sterilization and vaccination campaigns.
- Donate – Contribute funds, food, or medical supplies to shelters.
- Educate – Share facts about stray dogs with your community to reduce fear and hostility.
Conclusion
The silent protest in Bandra was a reminder that empathy is an action, not just a feeling. While the Supreme Court verdict has stirred debate, voices like Nikita Ghag’s ensure that the conversation includes compassion, practicality, and justice for all living beings.
True independence is not just freedom from oppression — it is freedom from neglect. And that’s exactly what this protest stood for.
Internal Link Suggestion:
- Link to your “Animal Welfare in India” blog page.
External Link Suggestion:
- Link to Animal Welfare Board of India guidelines.