Star Street Teamer: Rohan Aneja
As ambitious as he is compassionate, Rohan is a go-getter, and animals are lucky to have him on their side.
Name: Rohan Aneja
Age: 19
Hometown: Chandigarh, India
Q: Tell us something about yourself.
A: I am enthusiastic and hardworking and always ready to grab an opportunity that comes my way. My nature is to help anyone to the best of my capabilities. I definitely give everything a try, whether I succeed or not. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in engineering information technology from Punjab University. I plan to get an MBA after this.
Q: What are your goals?
A: To be well-placed and positioned. I want to strive hard to uplift the living conditions of animals by opening or being a part of some rehabilitation centre.
Q: What made you decide to go vegetarian?
A: God gave us a superior life. It is our moral responsibility to be considerate towards animals and help them live. It is not like the pre-modern times, when man had to tear the flesh of animals for his survival. Times have changed, and we can savour the tastes of a number of vegan dishes. Moreover, it is a healthier way of living!
Q: How long have you been helping animals? What got you interested in animal rights?
A: I have been devoted to this cause for a long time. I have been managing all by myself for the past five years to help stray dogs, cattle, the injured and the diseased. I joined PETA in 2006 to become involved in the animal rights movement.
Q: Tell us about the PETA demonstrations and other events you've been a part of.
A: I have participated in PETA demonstrations, including the KFC boycotts staged in Chandigarh. I went to Chattbir Zoo (Chandigarh) along with two other Street Teamers – Neelima Walia and Vidhi Takur – to carry out an investigation into the living conditions of animals there. I have also tabled at college festivals (pecFest2007) through petaDishoom and circulated "Save #99" petition sheets. I have been promoting PETA amongst my friends and have successfully managed to increase the petaDishoom workforce in Chandigarh.
Q: You recently initiated a youth movement in Chandigarh, called YOUTH 360. What inspired you to take action?
A: Youth is the biggest force of a nation, so we planned to start Youth 360 so that youth could get together and do good for society. We were able to do this with the Youth 360 community services. We also used the print media to spread awareness of AIDS, drug addiction and PETA. We will hopefully soon be spreading to other cities through our online portal.
Q: What excited you most about petaDishoom?
A: petaDishoom is very good at spreading the word on animal activism amongst the youth. It is interactive and catchy. At the same time, it is informative.
Q: What message do you have for petaDishoom Street Teamers?
A: Live a life that matters. Be responsible members and take the initiative to spread awareness amongst your acquaintances. Be true to the cause you are standing up for.
Q: What do you plan to do in the future?
A: I plan to make petaDishoom and PETA more popular in Chandigarh, carry out more protests and take animal rights to more college fests. Along with other members here, I plan to organise rescue drives for injured animals.
