VMAAF

Venu Menon

Venu Menon was a highly respected and successful public relations expert who always had time and energy to care for animals, despite his hectic and exacting corporate life. He was an inveterate animal lover, who, in his short life spanning only 33 years, cared for all forms of life with a large-heartedness and respect that made him such a popular figure.

A true communications professional, Venu spent a decade of his working career with some of India's leading corporate houses. He started his career with the Indian Express group, one of the largest conglomerates in the country, and moved on to IPAN, a top brand communications consultancy worldwide. His last assignment was with Corporate Voice Weber Shandwick as head of the northern operations where he developed a seamless team of individuals from diverse disciplines to deliver communication solutions to clients. Other than his chosen profession, which he loved immensely, Venu was passionate about sports, in which he won several awards. Animal care came to him naturally from an early age. He led the neighbourhood children in treating injured and sick animals and reporting cases of cruelty towards tonga horses and bullocks, to the SPCA.

Venu passed away prematurely following a massive cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife, Jaba Menon and daughter Venika, who was born after he passed away.

Caring for animals was a way of life for Venu, throughout. His love for animals was innate and the environment in his own home helped this passion bloom. Its early manifestation was his inability to tolerate any ill-treatment or cruelty towards animals, be they pet or stray. As a child he had a pet cat at home on which he lavished all his love and care. Its death made him miserable for days together. As he grew up in age, so did his concern for animals, especially stray dogs in the locality, which sometimes led to protests from some not-so-enthusiastic residents. He used to persuade his mother to make 'rotis' for these stray dogs, which became a daily routine in the course of time.

His zeal and dedication inspired others of his age in the neighbourhood and he succeeded in motivating them to actively participate in the noble cause of animal welfare. During the monsoons when the roadside gutters would be flooded, he used to be on the lookout for cattle and other animals trapped in them. Undaunted, he would launch rescue operations on his own. The sight of skinny tonga horses being whipped mercilessly would wrench his heart and swing him to act then and there. He would stop the tonga, assail the callous driver, and threaten him with action through the SPCA. Venu was an active member of the animal lover's club of his school, visiting animal welfare institutions and doing voluntary service there. He was a frequent visitor to an institution in Old Delhi devoted to animal shelter and upkeep and helped it through donations in kind and cash.

Another instance his parents recall was when he shifted residence, he used to be so concerned about the stray dogs that he fed every day in the former locality, that on his way back from office even after 10 in the night, he would take a detour, buy meat and bread and stop by at the old house. He would whistle out for the dogs and leave the food for them. Even if his car tyres touched an animal by mistake, he would be miserable the whole day. His words, "animals never hurt anyone except in self-defence, but human beings can and do" sum up his life and selfless philosophy.

The Venu Menon Animal Allies Foundation and Venu Menon National Animal Awards seek to commemorate his beliefs, reflect his spirit, enthusiasm and infectious zeal and keep his concerns alive.

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