Team and Background
Sharanya Earth Foundation was founded by like-minded individuals who have been working on ground in the field of animal welfare as well as ecological conservation. With a cumulative experience of more than three decades, the team understands the myriad intricacies that are involved in dealing with these delicate issues. A brief background of the managing trustees has been provided.
Rohit Shankar, has been assiduously involved in animal welfare activities for the past 25 years. Having completed his MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, he had been involved in grassroot level sports programs for various state and private organizations. However, following his true calling, over the years he has worked with multiple animal welfare organizations across the country. Areas of work include tracking & rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of street & feral/wild animals. He has also practiced in close association with Dr.Maia Kincaid, Sedona International School for Animal & Nature Communication.
Medha Khanna, an investment banker by profession but a mountaineer and naturalist at heart, quit her professional life around a decade ago to pursue her passion. After her post-graduation from IIM Ahmedabad, she worked in the industry for a few years before starting her mountaineering journey. After completing her Advanced Mountaineering and Search & Rescue courses, she has been part of numerous group as well as alpine summits. That process kindled her innate love for nature and since then there has been no looking back. Over the years, she has worked in multiple afforestation, permaculture and seed bank projects in Auroville.
Sanjukta Lal needs no introduction to those involved in Animal Welfare work in Pondicherry. One has to but follow her and see how animals flock just at the sound of her scooter as she goes around for her multiple feeding rounds. Brought up in Pondicherry and having studied in the Sri Aurobindo International Centre for Education, she thereafter went out and worked in a wide range of fields, including The French Embassy in India, Vigyan Bhavan and the All India Radio, in New Delhi. However it was her hearts deepest calling, the welfare of street animals, which brought her back to Pondicherry. Now she devotes all her time, energy and resources in the rescue, treatment, feeding and sterilization of street animals. She has been intricately involved with Sharanya since it’s inception and in fact has been one of the pillars which has made it possible.
Gautam Chainani is an Advisor and Board member with over three decades’ experience in leading the HR function at national & global levels. His industry expertise encompasses a wide range of industries such as IT/Telecom, FMCG, Financial Service and Manufacturing and with start-ups. He is currently pursuing his PhD at IIM Shillong. However despite his busy schedule and travels , he still manages to find time for something very close to his heart – animal welfare. He strongly believes that communities need to work together for the welfare of stray animals backed by a strong focus on animal birth control. He has been closely involved in animal welfare activities for the past few years in the city of Pondicherry.
Sharanya Animal Sanctuary
We are developing an animal sanctuary over an area of 7 acres. During the course of our rescue & treatment work, we come across quite a few animals that cannot be released back into their locations. This could be because of disabilities such as limb amputations or blindness, spinal injuries leading to paralysis, tumours and carcinomas, or simply very old age, incapacitating them to fend for themselves. All these animals will be provided sanctuary at Sharanya, so that they do not have to struggle for food, water and shelter.
In addition to the shelter, we have also created open enclosures for treatment of animals that suffer from ailments that only require limited periodic medical interventions. These include animals suffering from transmissible venereal tumour and specific orthopaedic injuries. In comparison to closed kennels, healing happens much faster in open enclosures since animals are under lesser stress. Once healed fully, these animals can be released back to their locations.
Sharanya Ecological Sanctuary
The ecological conservation work of Sharanya has commenced with work on two fronts. The original teak plantation is being converted into an ecologically diverse forest with introduction of indigenous sub-tropical fauna which is naturally adapted to the environment. Saplings appropriate for local micro-climate are sourced and planted around the rainy season to convert it into a more heterogenous forest.
Establishing a robust and effective seed bank is the other area where operations have commenced. Sourcing of traditional seeds, preparation of beds and compost & vermi-compost pits have been constructed. Season appropriate planting is done to ensure a healthy stock of native seeds.
Organization details
- Sharanya Earth Foundation is a registered non-profit public trust (Reg. No. 26/2022).
- PAN No. ABETS1015Q.
- Form 12 (Unique Registration Number ABETS1015QE20221)
- 80G exemption (Unique Registration Number ABETS1015QF20221) of Income Tax Act has been granted with effect from AY 2023-24.
- Application for CSR registration is under processing and shall be shared in due course.