PONDA: The people of Ponda are accustomed to a unique and heartwarming spectacle. Whenever the distinct sound of Vasudev Naik’s bullet motorcycle resonates through the streets, a pack of eager dogs gather, awaiting his arrival at their usual feeding spots. For the past 24 years, Naik, affectionately known as ‘Daada’, has been a guardian and caretaker to these homeless animals.
A successful businessman by profession, Daada’s true calling lies in his kindness towards the stray animals that roam the town. Each day, he embarks on his noble mission, his bike loaded with numerous bags filled with biscuits, bread, bananas, and other food stocks to feed the hungry mouths.
It was only by chance that the extent of Naik’s silent social work was discovered. A curious shopkeeper, witnessing Naik’s regular large-scale purchases of food, decided to pry, and that’s when the true extent of Naik’s compassion and dedication became known.
Realising the dire circumstances faced by stray cattle, who often resort to eating garbage and plastic bags discarded along the roadsides, Naik took it upon himself to provide medical treatment to these vulnerable animals. With an earnest request to the public, he pleads for responsible waste management, urging people not to dump garbage on the roadsides.
Though he remains humble about the costs involved, locals estimate that Naik spends at least Rs 500 rupees each day to feed and care for the homeless animals that rely on his compassion.
