APNA Foundation Patna, founded by Varsha Raj and co-founded by Aashish Ranjan, has rescued over 2,000 stray animals across Bihar. Starting during the COVID-19 lockdown, the NGO operates Patna’s first dedicated animal shelter, championing stray rescue, treatment, and adoption.
A Silent Crisis in Lockdown Patna
During the COVID-19 lockdown, as Patna’s streets fell silent under strict restrictions, an unseen crisis unfolded for thousands of street dogs and stray animals. Reliant on roadside eateries and passersby for daily survival, many animals were left starving. Unable to turn a blind eye, Varsha Raj stepped forward to feed hungry strays across the city. What started as an emergency relief effort quickly evolved into a dedicated animal welfare organization, APNA Foundation, co-founded with Aashish Ranjan. Today, the foundation manages Patna’s first dedicated animal shelter home and has rescued over 2,000 animals.
From Childhood Passion to a Lifelong Calling
Varsha’s deep bond with animals began in childhood, inspired by her mother, who regularly fed street dogs, birds, and cows. Raised in a supportive family by her teacher father, Varsha pursued a B.Sc. in Zoology from A.N. College and received formal training in Indian Classical Music. While her family initially envisioned a career in medicine or music, Varsha chose to dedicate her life to animal rescue.
Transitioning from personal career goals to full-time animal welfare required immense sacrifice. In the foundation’s early days, team members funded medical treatments, food, and shelter operations by giving private tuitions and organizing small musical performances. Over time, her family embraced her mission, becoming her strongest pillars of support. Today, while monthly medical and shelter expenses remain a constant challenge, the NGO relies primarily on individual donors and social media supporters.
Impactful Operations and Milestones
Supported by a core three-member team and a growing network of local volunteers, APNA Foundation provides comprehensive animal care across Patna. Their shelter currently offers permanent refuge to 34 dogs and a cow, while daily feeding drives nourish more than 100 stray dogs on the streets.
To date, APNA Foundation has achieved major milestones:
It has rescued over 2,000 injured and abandoned animals and provided medical treatment to more than 1,000 animals. It as also facilitated over 1,000 anti-rabies vaccinations and 800+ spay/neuter (sterilization) procedures and successfully placed over 500 Indian street dogs into loving homes through verified adoptions.
Healing Traumas and Changing Societal Mindsets
For Varsha and her team, rescue work extends far beyond emergency medical assistance; it involves rebuilding trust and restoring dignity. A poignant example is “Himmat Singh,” a stray dog who survived a severe road accident. Despite losing one leg to amputation and having a metal rod placed in another, Himmat Singh recovered through multiple surgeries and now walks proudly on three legs.
Changing societal attitudes towards stray animals remains one of the foundation’s greatest hurdles. APNA Foundation actively advocates for adopting native Indian dog breeds over purchasing commercial pedigree pets. Every adoption undergoes thorough family screening and post-adoption follow-up to ensure long-term care. Their work aligns with guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), which emphasize responsible co-existence, sterilization, and community-led animal care.
A Vision for a Modern Animal Hospital
Looking ahead, Varsha Raj dreams of establishing a modern, fully-equipped animal hospital and a sprawling sanctuary in Bihar capable of rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating both small and large animals. Her journey demonstrates that meaningful social change does not require immense wealth, it begins with empathy, determination, and a refusal to remain silent.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Compassion for street animals is a cornerstone of a civilized and humane society. Stray animals are an integral part of urban ecosystems, yet they frequently endure neglect, cruelty, and starvation. Initiatives like APNA Foundation highlight how grassroots leadership can fill critical gaps in municipal animal care infrastructure. True progress requires shifting public perception, moving away from viewing strays as a nuisance toward embracing responsible co-existence through sterilization, vaccination, and adoption of native breeds. By supporting local animal welfare initiatives and upholding Animal Welfare Board guidelines, communities can build safer, more compassionate environments for humans and animals alike.
How can municipal corporations and civic groups collaborate more effectively with local NGOs to establish robust animal welfare and sterilization infrastructure across Indian cities?
Also Read: How An IAS Officer Turned Jalna’s Neglected Lakefront Into A Vibrant Public Space
