Why Hundreds Stopped on FC Road: Pune Activists Spark Conversations on Animal Welfare
Shivajinagar, 1st August 2026: More than 20 animal rights activists conducted a seven-hour public outreach campaign outside the Fergusson College Main Gate on FC Road on Saturday to mark Global Solidarity Day. Organised jointly by We The Free Pune and Pune Animal Liberation, the initiative engaged over 250 members of the public in conversations on veganism, animal welfare, and ethical living.
As part of the global campaign, volunteers hosted the 3-Minute Movie Challenge, inviting passersby to watch short videos highlighting the realities of animal agriculture. The screenings were followed by one-on-one discussions encouraging people to reflect on compassion, kindness, and informed lifestyle choices. The Pune outreach was held simultaneously with similar events in cities around the world as part of Global Solidarity Day.
Prajakta Shinde, Media Coordinator of Pune Animal Liberation and We The Free Pune, said, “Global Solidarity Day is about creating meaningful conversations that inspire compassion and informed choices. We are encouraged by the overwhelming response from Pune citizens, with more than 250 people taking the time to stop, watch the 3-Minute Movie Challenge, and engage with us. Every conversation has the potential to create lasting positive change for animals.”
Anil Deshmukh said, “This is a wonderful initiative that encourages people to think with compassion and understand the importance of treating animals with kindness. Such awareness campaigns can inspire positive change in society.”
Shruti Mandal said, “The dedication of the volunteers throughout the day was truly inspiring. The campaign created a meaningful platform for citizens to learn, ask questions, and reflect on making more compassionate choices in their daily lives.”
According to the organisers, the Pune outreach was part of a worldwide movement observed simultaneously across several cities, reinforcing a shared commitment to promoting compassion, ethical living, and animal welfare through peaceful public engagement.
