Shillong: Sonu Raj is riding across India. The 21-year-old student from Bihar has covered 16,000 km so far. He started on a bicycle but switched to a scooter after suffering severe rib pain in Sikkim. The Zara Animal Project, based in Mumbai, sponsored his current ride. He travels alongside his adopted dog, Charlie, whom he rescued as an injured puppy in Ghaziabad.
Raj is now in Meghalaya. He noticed many stray and injured dogs roaming the streets here despite the state’s beauty. The High Court of Meghalaya recently ordered officials to prioritize stray animal management and shelter construction. Raj aims to meet with senior government officials to push for better funding for veterinary care and Animal Birth Control programs.
"Meghalaya is a very beautiful place and many tourists come here, but I have seen many stray animals, including injured dogs. There is a lot that needs to be done for them," Raj said. The traveler documents his mission on Instagram at @safarmeinrahi. He often sleeps at petrol pumps when he cannot secure lodging.
He has visited 17 states and three Union Territories. His goal is to build a network of rescuers and eventually open animal shelters, starting in his home district of Nalanda. He is calling on authorities to act. "Please use some funds for animals, especially injured animals. We need shelters and proper animal birth-control programmes," he added. Raj continues his trek through the Northeast, relying on the support of local residents and animal advocates to keep his project moving.
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