Meet Timmie Kumar, the Managing Trustee at Help in Suffering (HIS), who transitioned from a career in interior design and advertising to a lifelong dedication to animal welfare in Jaipur.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
My name is Timmie Kumar, and I serve as the Managing Trustee at Help in Suffering (HIS), a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating the suffering of street animals in Jaipur, Rajasthan. I initially pursued an interior design and advertising career, graduating from the J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai.
However, my passion for animal welfare, which I had nurtured since childhood, eventually led me down a very different path. My roots lie in Mumbai. Thereafter I moved to Agra in 1985 where my journey in animal welfare began as a founding member and Trustee of the "Animal Lover's Association" NGO.
From a young age, I've been passionate about animal welfare, which has driven all my initiatives and endeavours.
What inspired you to pursue a career in social welfare? Was there a personal experience that motivated you to make a difference?
I spent my early childhood in Tirodi a village in Madhya Pradesh. Â Lived in a house on a hilltop surrounded by Jungles and wild animals.
I grew up watching Languor, snakes, scorpions, Jackals, Leopards and sometimes tigers I was surrounded by diverse creatures.
At the early age of 5 animals have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up in an environment where I developed a profound love for them. I felt a strong responsibility to protect and care for them. A significant turning point was when I witnessed the cruel treatment of performing animals such as snakes, monkeys, and bears. This ignited my resolve to advocate for their welfare and ultimately changed the trajectory of my career.
What was the turning point that made you take action on your inspiration?
The turning point came when I co-founded the Animal Lover's Association in Agra. Witnessing firsthand the maltreatment of animals when I rescued an injured donkey from a flowing drain.
Missions and protests showed me the urgent need for dedicated animal welfare efforts. This experience cemented my decision to transition from interior design to full-time social welfare activities.
How did you begin your journey in social welfare? What was the first significant step you took?
My journey began by co-founding the Animal Lover’s Association in Agra. One of the first significant steps was organizing rescue missions and protests to raise awareness about the maltreatment of performing animals. This grassroots advocacy laid the foundation for my continued efforts in animal welfare.
While interior design was a creative passion, my heart was always with animal welfare. In 2001 after moving to Jaipur, I joined Help in Suffering (HIS) as a volunteer.
My commitment and involvement deepened over time, leading to my appointment as the Managing Trustee.
The transition was a result of my increasing dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of animals.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a woman in social welfare?
As a woman, one of the biggest challenges has been the societal barriers and misconceptions about women in leadership roles, especially in fields like animal welfare.
Additionally, securing consistent funding and resources for our initiatives has always been a significant hurdle.
How do you overcome these challenges?
Persistence, resilience, and focus have been key in overcoming these challenges. Building a strong, supportive team and network has been crucial.
Additionally, raising awareness and educating the community about the importance of our work has helped garner more support and break down misconceptions.
In your opinion, what are the most important qualities for a woman working in social welfare to have?
The most important qualities include focus, compassion, kindness, resilience, determination, and the ability to lead and inspire others.
Being adaptable and resourceful are also crucial in navigating the various challenges that come with social welfare work.
What kind of support do you need to be successful in your social welfare initiatives?
To be successful, we need continuous financial support, volunteers, and a strong network of like-minded individuals and organizations.
Advocacy and policy support from the government and community leaders also play a critical role in amplifying our efforts.
How do you engage other women in your social welfare activities?
I believe in leading by example and creating opportunities for women to get involved in our initiatives.
We actively reach out to women through community events, social media, and collaborations with other women's groups to encourage their participation and empower them to take up leadership roles in social welfare.
Do you have any advice for women who want to get involved in social welfare or start their own initiatives?
My advice is to follow your passion and remain persistent despite the challenges. Start small, build a strong foundation, and gradually scale your efforts.
Surround yourself with a supportive network, and never hesitate to seek help and resources. Remember, every small effort counts and can lead to significant change.
What are your future goals for your social welfare work?
My future goals include expanding our reach to more areas in need, and establishing a state-of-the-art animal hospital, training, and research facility.
Creating sustainable initiatives to support animal welfare.
Additionally, I aim to mentor and support more women to become leaders in social welfare, fostering a compassionate and empowered community.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience as a woman in social welfare?
Being a woman in social welfare has been both challenging and rewarding. The journey has taught me the power of resilience, and compassion and to connect with community.
Every day, I am inspired by the animals we help and the incredible team that stands with me.
I invite more women to join this journey, as their unique perspectives and strengths are invaluable in creating a compassionate world for all beings.
Women are born with kindness, compassion and to give love and care is part of their nature.
Find Timmie Kumar on Social Media:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmie-kumar/recent-activity/all/
- Companies websites – helpinsuffering@org
- Instagram (personal) - https://www.instagram.com/timmie.kumar?igsh=amRuMzA5MjdobW9l
- Instagram (Business) - https://www.instagram.com/helpinsuffering?igsh=MWZjd3JtbDZ0YzVzbQ==
- Email address – [email protected]
- Help in Suffering - YouTube channel -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KRf4Cyn7kKeWHdhnqHhPg
Hope you enjoyed reading Timmie Kumar’s story!
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