Ahmedabad Man's 17-Year Daily Ritual of Feeding Hundreds of Animals
For the past seventeen years, Swapnil Soni has maintained an unwavering daily routine centered on compassion for animals. Each morning, he rises at precisely 4 a.m., beginning a process that culminates in feeding hundreds of stray dogs and monkeys on the outskirts of Narol in Ahmedabad.
A Family Effort in Food Preparation
Swapnil's wife, with assistance from two neighborhood women, prepares approximately one thousand chapatis every day. Additionally, she cooks rice and mixes it with buttermilk, known locally as chaas. This substantial quantity of food is then loaded into Swapnil's vehicle for distribution.
The Feeding Process and Animal Behavior
Upon reaching the forested areas, Swapnil first feeds the stray dogs with the rice and chaas mixture. He then proceeds to a specific spot where hundreds of monkeys await his arrival. The primates sit patiently as he opens the boot of his car to retrieve the food.
Remarkably, the monkeys approach one by one to take rotis or fruits directly from his hands. When questioned about potential aggression, Swapnil explains with a smile that wild animals are naturally fearful of humans and remain constantly alert, especially when vehicles pass nearby.
"Since the monkeys recognize me, they simply come, take the food, and run away," he shares. While acknowledging that monkeys can be somewhat naughty and occasionally deliver light slaps if feeding is delayed, he emphasizes they are generally not harmful toward him.
Roots of Compassion in Childhood Poverty
Swapnil's profound connection to animals traces back to his childhood in old Ahmedabad, where his family lived in poverty without even owning a bicycle. Despite their limited means, his mother and two elder brothers consistently shared whatever food they had with animals.
This family tradition of kindness planted the seeds for Swapnil's lifelong commitment. He also recalls being deeply inspired by a 107-year-old neighbor who regularly fed bajra rotis to stray cattle, monkeys, and birds.
From Animal Feeding to Life Transformation
Swapnil began his own animal feeding practice with birds, ants, cows, and dogs, and soon noticed positive changes in his life. At the time, he lived in a rented house and frequented a photocopy shop where he met his future wife, who worked there.
After marrying, the couple moved to rapidly developing New Ahmedabad, where Swapnil entered the real estate sector during a period of high demand for properties. His career flourished significantly, and he now manages his business with two to three employees, allowing him more time for animal welfare activities.
Expanding Compassion Through NGO Work
Beyond daily feeding, Swapnil runs an NGO called Shri Thakur Ji Seva Parivar, which focuses on rescuing injured birds, arranging medical treatment, and releasing them back into their natural habitats. His wife and two children actively support these efforts, often joining him in the field.
He also allocates a portion of his income to various charitable causes, including:
- Supporting orphanages and old age homes
- Feeding hungry people on the streets
- Providing assistance wherever needed in the community
Spiritual Beliefs and Health Challenges
A devoted follower of Lord Hanuman, Swapnil believes his survival through three heart attacks is attributable to the grace of Vanar Raj, the monkey god. He feels strongly that his acts of kindness have shielded him from life's hardships and that the universe returns the compassion he shows to animals.
"What began as pure love for animals has evolved into a deep conviction that kindness always comes back as divine blessings," Swapnil reflects, seeing his real estate success and family wellbeing as direct results of his consistent compassionate actions.
