The Rotary Club of Coimbatore Central launched the Chikoo Sterilisation Drive on January 31, 2026, at the Cosmopolitan Club on Race Course Road.
With the support and funding of the club, students are organising a large-scale sterilisation drive aimed at controlling the stray dog population through ethical Catch–Neuter–Return practices. The initiative seeks to address animal suffering, public health concerns, and human–animal conflict responsibly and sustainably.
The drive was launched in the presence of the guests of honour, including Manjoo Shree, a nationally honoured psychologist; Sonali Geed, Chief Academic Officer, TIPS Globeducate India; Megha Jose, CEO, Fortune Wealth Management and Founder, Thryve & Pawsome People Project; and Abhinaya, Operations Manager, Humane Animal Society (HAS), Coimbatore.
Advaith Rao and Amritha Ramesh, Grade 11 students of The Indian Public School, Globeducate, Coimbatore, are the founders of The Chikoo Project, a student-led animal welfare initiative for stray animals.
The project works closely with established organisations such as the Humane Animal Society, Pawsome People’s Project, and the SPCA, learning from experienced rescuers while actively contributing as young volunteers. Their efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in animal welfare.
Inspired by real-life experiences with rescued dogs and guided by empathy, the students have chosen to focus on awareness, responsibility, and prevention rather than short-term solutions. Their initiatives include organising art workshops, conducting awareness programmes, visiting animal shelters, and placing water bowls for street animals across the city.
