From rescuer to pioneer: Karmakar to establish Dhubri’s first SPCA animal shelter

Guwahati: In a groundbreaking initiative for Dhubri, Purnima Karmakar is spearheading the establishment of the district’s first animal shelter under the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

This project marks a significant milestone in Karmakar’s 22-year journey in animal welfare, a path she embarked on out of deep concern and love for stray and abandoned animals.Karmakar, who has personally rescued over 30 animals, including dogs, cows, and even a horse, has long been a beacon of hope for the voiceless. Her efforts, often funded from her own pocket, have provided food, shelter, and medical care to animals in need.Since becoming the district president of the SPCA board in 2022, Karmakar has identified a pressing need for a dedicated animal shelter equipped with modern facilities. “Our team has been managing rescues and treatments at a temporary pound, often without proper equipment, which poses risks to both animals and rescuers,” she said. “A proper shelter is not just an option; it's a necessity,” she added.Karmakar credits her two daughters as her greatest inspiration, noting their unwavering support and compassion as key motivators. “This shelter is as much their dream as it is mine,” she said, highlighting the family’s shared commitment to animal welfare. “Whenever I felt overwhelmed or thought of stopping, my daughters reminded me why I had started in the first place. They have grown up around animals, helping me feed and care for them,” she added.With the shelter’s establishment, Karmakar is optimistic about receiving govt support, ensuring that abandoned and injured animals in Dhubri will finally receive the systemic care they deserve.