Shashipreetam
"I grew up with cats, canines, birds, and fish—an ardent animal lover from the very beginning. Over the years, I have been part of numerous service initiatives for animal welfare and continue to support young student volunteers who care for strays but lack the resources—funding their efforts with food, medicines, and critical surgeries. Along the way, I also served as the Founder Editor of Hyderabad Paws magazine, where I began to pen for the voiceless. But above all, I have been the proud father of four beloved canine sons and daughters, and over two dozen feline companions, who brought immeasurable love and meaning to my life."
"This program is precipitated as an ode to my most beloved canine son, Vayu, who crossed the rainbow a few months ago. Vayu taught me to be humane, to be mindful, and to share joy and love with the world. As a tribute to his eternal love, I propose to voice for the voiceless through a series of concerts—a journey I now intend to continue as a commitment to animal conservation.
A Tribute to My Family of Five Elements
While Vayu outlived all our beloved companions and stayed with us for nearly 15 glorious years, Om, my youngest pug child, lived a brief yet beautiful life from 2013 to 2020. He was the most lovable, innocent, naive, and mischievous soul in our home — a true embodiment of childlike wonder. No one can take his place. He taught me something invaluable: when life gets overwhelming, sometimes the best thing to do is close your eyes and rest — just like a child, with no fear, no worry.
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Lakmé was the first to enter our lives — the one who began our home’s special human-canine bond. She was more than a pet; she was my daughter’s eternal sister and emotional anchor. In a house otherwise filled with male energy — myself and my two pug sons — Lakmé brought a graceful balance, a calm and nurturing feminine strength.
Together, we were five — my daughter, myself, and our three beloved companions. And this family made life not just worth living, but deeply meaningful.
I often identified each of us with the five elements of nature:
I am the Earth, my daughter the Fire, Lakmé the Water, Vayu, as his name signifies, the Air, and Om, the Sky — the omnipresent soul that envelops us all.
Though they have left this mortal world, we believe a part of them continues to live on in our hearts, just as a part of us departed with them. This sacred bond is eternal. We are, and always will be, one family — woven together by love and the very elements of creation.