In the industrial city of Rourkela, Odisha, a simple act of kindness has blossomed into a seven-year-long mission of compassion. Siba Kumar Behera, a 36-year-old lineman, has dedicated a significant part of his life and salary to ensuring that stray dogs in his locality never sleep on an empty stomach.
A Daily Ritual of Compassion
Every single morning, before heading to his job at the MRT office in Panposh, Behera's day begins in his kitchen. He cooks fresh rice and boiled chicken, often seasoned with turmeric and black pepper for its health benefits. He then loads this nutritious meal into two buckets, mounts his scooter, and sets out on his feeding rounds. He distributes the food to the dogs on separate plates and, in a remarkable display of responsibility, cleans the spot with a brush once they have finished eating.
What started in 2017 with feeding just six stray dogs in his lane at Koel Nagar has now expanded to a daily service for around 25 dogs. The animals have come to recognize him and his scooter, eagerly awaiting his arrival each day. Behera also carries dog food, biscuits, and basic medicines to treat any injured canines he encounters during his commute.
The Heart and Sacrifice Behind the Mission
A native of Baripada in Mayurbhanj district, Behera is a bachelor who lives in rented quarters at Kalinga Vihar RDA Colony in Chhend. He joined government service in 2011. His love for animals initially made him consider buying a pet, but the sight of suffering stray dogs in his neighborhood changed his mind. He decided to direct his resources and affection towards those already in need.
This decision comes with a substantial personal cost. Behera spends approximately Rs 6,000 every month from his own pocket to fund this mission. During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, he intensified his efforts, preparing extra food and buying rotis to feed nearly 50 stray dogs, ensuring they didn't suffer due to the lockdown.
A Lifelong Pledge to Serve
For Behera, this is not a temporary hobby but a lifelong commitment. "Feeding stray dogs gives me great happiness," he says. "I don't want a single stray dog to remain hungry, so I feed them according to my capacity. I will continue this mission for the rest of my life."
His routine is unwavering. After completing his morning feeding round, he returns home to get ready for his official duty as a lineman. His story is a powerful testament to how individual action, driven by genuine empathy, can create a ripple of care and make a tangible difference in the community. Siba Kumar Behera exemplifies that heroism isn't always in grand gestures but often in the consistent, quiet dedication to a cause close to one's heart.
