The sight of a snake is enough to send many of us into a tizzy and run away, but not this 20-year-old youngster. V Varun would do whatever it takes to catch this slithering reptile to transport it back to its natural habitat. Pursuing third year computer science engineering from Malla Reddy Engineering College, Varun is a volunteer with the NGO Friends of Snakes and helps in protecting snakes that wander into the concrete jungle.
An ardent animal lover, it all started when Varun attended demonstrations that the NGO held two years ago. “I had a friend who worked for Friends of Snakes. I used to accompany him to their events and demonstrations. Soon, I was asked to be a volunteer. I jumped at the opportunity since I had always wanted to do my bit for animals,” he says.
For distressed citizens he is now a call away. “People who notice snakes and want them to be caught call us. Depending on our location and distance from the scene of action we are assigned the task. Once the snake is rescued, it is kept in the NGO’s snake farm. After getting clearance from the forest department they are released into a reserved forest area.” he says. According to him, the life of animals are as important as those of humans.
— rahul.d@expressbuzz.com