Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Dec 10: The state government felicitated Dheeraj, son of Sudhindra Aithal from the Animal Rescue Centre in Saligrama, for his contributions to the protection of reptiles.

Dheeraj began handling snakes at the age of three or four under the guidance of his father, Sudhindra Aithal, a well-known animal lover who treats injured birds, animals, and reptiles at home.

Dheeraj rescued a python when he was just nine years old. Currently studying in the eighth grade at Kota Viveka Educational Institute, he has rescued over 80 non-venomous snakes and hundreds of animals.

In November 2023, a 16-foot-long python was spotted at Saligrama Temple. Dheeraj, who arrived with his father, successfully captured the python and secured it in a gunny bag. A local captured the act on video, which later went viral on social media. The Women and Child Welfare Department, impressed by the video, recommended Dheeraj for the Shaurya Award.

Expressing his gratitude, Dheeraj Aithal said, “I learned to love animals, birds, and reptiles from my father. I did not expect any award. I want to study veterinary medicine and continue rescuing animals and reptiles.”