Scholar-Journalist of the Week: Service as Action

Sabreen Kaur, a Middle-Years-Programme IV student at Apeejay School International, South Delhi, is passionate about animal welfare. Not only does she provide shelter to many species at home, but also takes care of stray animals at a Faridabad-based non-governmental organisation. She is a person of many talents who smoothly balances her time between academics and extracurriculars. Read on, as she shares her thoughts. Edited excerpts from the interview.

Tell us more about the write-up you put together for Apeejay Newsroom.

‘Service as Action’ is an important component of the International Baccalaureate curriculum followed at Apeejay School International. Under that, students can engage in four types of service such as research, advocacy, direct and indirect.  I took up direct service which involves one to consistently work for a noble cause. So, I chose a theme that interests me the most, i.e. taking care of animals. I am keen to spread awareness regarding their wellbeing.

For my project, I looped in a non-governmental organisation too. During my visit there, I realised that when it comes to strays, people can become very cruel and dismissive. They are badly treated just for sharing the same space as humans. It is grossly incorrect. And, my attempt through my project and write-up was to create sensitivity towards all animals like they are our friends.

Your message for citizens to stop animal cruelty?

If you can’t take care of animals, the least you can do is to not cause them any harm. Strays remain unloved and uncared for on the streets which is anyway a big thing. It hurts them the same way it would hurt you. Please be kind and treat them in a manner you would like someone to treat you.

Interesting! Do you have pets at home?

Yes, several of them! I have grown up with animals, thanks to the paternal and maternal side of my family. I own a dog, turtle and some fishes at our residence. Alongside, a parrot which I once rescued and took care of keeps visiting us often. I also feed butterflies and cockroaches in my grandmother’s home. *laughs*

Are you an avid reader?

Yes. The last book I read was ‘The Sun and Her Flowers’ by Rupi Kaur. It is a collection of poems. Quite intriguing!