In a society where animal welfare is too often overlooked, Manavi Rai has emerged as a tireless champion for the voiceless. Featured in NationalViews 50 Under 50, Manavi is an animal activist, educator, and the founder of Udgam Animal Rescue whose work has not only saved thousands of street dogs and other vulnerable animals but also transformed public perspectives on compassion and coexistence in India.
A Lifetime of Compassion That Began in Childhood
Born in Delhi, Manavi Rai’s deep love for animals was evident even as a child. She grew up surrounded by pets and stray animals, always compelled to offer help—whether feeding street dogs or nursing injured birds. This early empathy laid the foundation for what would later become her life’s calling.
However, it was the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 that became the turning point in her journey from animal lover to full-time activist. As lockdowns intensified and stray animals faced hunger, injury, dehydration, and abandonment, Manavi was determined not to stand by helplessly. Witnessing the rise in animal distress, she launched Udgam, an initiative dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting stray animals in Delhi.
From Street Rescues to Structured Advocacy
Under Manavi’s leadership, Udgam has become a beacon of hope for animals in distress. The initiative focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, education, and rehoming, offering a safe sanctuary where injured animals receive medical care, nourishment, and a second chance at life. Her work extends to adoption drives and awareness programmes that teach compassionate animal care to families, schools, and communities.
What makes Manavi’s approach remarkable is not just the scale of her compassion, but her strategic focus on education and empowerment. Recognising that mindset changes are vital for lasting impact, she has conducted extensive workshops on animal care and rescue techniques. Through these sessions, she trains volunteers and inspires young minds to become advocates of animal welfare. (manavirai.com)
Taking Rescue to the Streets
Manavi’s rescue efforts are hands-on and often life-saving. On average, her team handles 90 rescue cases per month, responding to emergencies ranging from injured and sick animals to abandoned and starving strays. Many of these rescues involve critical medical interventions and long recovery periods—yet Manavi never hesitates to take on even the most challenging cases.
In fact, one of her proudest milestones was rescuing her 500th animal, a moment that highlighted both the urgency of the need and the impact of sustained rescue efforts.
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Amplifying Impact Through Digital and Community Outreach
Understanding the power of storytelling and social influence, Manavi has built a strong presence across social media platforms. Her posts, photos, and rescue stories have helped raise awareness, mobilise support, encourage adoption, and educate her followers about animal welfare. Social networks have become an essential tool for her work, enabling community involvement and generating life-changing help for countless animals.
Through digital outreach, she not only highlights rescue cases but also promotes responsible pet ownership and the importance of spay/neuter programmes. Her message is clear: 365 days of compassion, not just occasional kindness, is what creates a truly humane society.
A Journey of Sacrifice and Success
Before dedicating herself to animal welfare, Manavi spent years in Toronto, Canada, working as a fashion designer and image consultant—a career that offered stability and comfort. But the pandemic brought her back to India and to a profound realisation: her true purpose lay not in personal achievement, but in serving those who could not speak for themselves.
This transition was far from easy. She faced financial limitations, emotional strain, and logistical challenges many activists confront. Yet, every successful rescue, every adopted animal, and every community member educated reinforced her belief and commitment.
Building a Compassionate Future
Manavi Rai’s long-term vision extends beyond rescue. She dreams of establishing a 24-hour animal hospital, expanding shelter infrastructure, and influencing policy changes that offer stronger legal protection and humane treatment for animals across India.
Her message to society is both simple and profound: “No act of kindness is too small. Change begins with the choice to care.” Manavi’s life work exemplifies this truth—showing that individual compassion can spark collective change.
A Recognition Well Deserved
Being named in NationalViews 50 Under 50 is more than an accolade for Manavi Rai—it is an affirmation of the power of purposeful activism. Her story reminds us that true leadership often emerges not in boardrooms, but on the streets, where empathy meets action and where every life saved matters.
This article was first published on NationalViews Magazine in 50 under 50 series. Check out the original article here
