The Social Worker of Siliguri Championing Animal Welfare, Education & Compassion
Professional achievements define some journeys. Others are defined by the lives they touch. Chandrika Y Lama’s journey belongs to the latter.
A social worker, educator, animal welfare advocate, campaigner, and humanitarian from Siliguri, Chandrika has dedicated more than two decades to education and social service. Her story is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: compassion becomes meaningful when it is transformed into action.
From the tranquil hills of Kurseong to schools and institutions across India, and eventually to the streets of Siliguri where countless animals struggle for survival, Chandrika has built a life around service, responsibility, and purpose.
From Education to a Larger Calling
Born and educated in Kurseong, famously known as the “Land of White Orchid,” Chandrika began her professional journey in education. Armed with qualifications including M.Phil. in Economics, B.Ed., NTT, and DSE, she went on to serve as a teacher, lecturer, and principal in reputed Army-affiliated and civilian educational institutions.
Her career took her across different parts of India, exposing her to diverse communities, cultures, and social realities. Institutions such as Army schools and prestigious civilian establishments, including GD Goenka and Aligarh, became part of her professional journey.
Education allowed Chandrika to influence young minds. But over time, another calling grew stronger—the desire to protect vulnerable animals and create greater awareness about humane treatment.
That calling would eventually reshape her life.
Building a Haven for Street Animals
Chandrika founded the INDIE RTR Rescue Treatment Release Centre in Salbari, Siliguri, creating a dedicated space for sick, injured, abandoned, and vulnerable street animals.
The centre represents more than rescue. It reflects her philosophy of Rescue, Treatment, and Release—giving animals the medical attention, safety, dignity, and opportunity they deserve.
Her commitment extends far beyond occasional rescue efforts. Chandrika feeds and cares for more than 80 stray animals every day, while continuously working toward vaccination, sterilization, rehabilitation, and responsible community participation.
For her, every rescued animal is not simply a case to be handled, but a life worth protecting.
A Mission for a Rabies-Free Society
In 2024, Chandrika initiated her ambitious “Rabies-Free Society” mission, focusing on vaccination, awareness, and responsible animal care.
Through the initiative, more than 300 dogs have been vaccinated, while awareness efforts continue to encourage communities to understand that rabies prevention is not only an animal welfare issue but also an important public responsibility.
Her approach brings together compassion and practical action: vaccinate, sterilize, educate, identify, and build safer communities for both people and animals.
Innovation Meets Compassion
One of Chandrika’s notable contributions has been her pioneering use of a QR-coded collar system for rescued animals.
The concept helps make important information about an animal—including its medical, vaccination, and sterilization history—more accessible. By combining technology with animal welfare, Chandrika has introduced a practical approach to improving accountability and continuity of care.
It is an example of how meaningful social work can evolve when empathy is paired with innovation.
Taking the Message Across India
Chandrika believes that rescue alone cannot solve the larger challenges facing animals. Awareness must travel beyond shelters and reach ordinary citizens.
With this philosophy, she has undertaken long-distance awareness journeys and campaigns covering thousands of kilometres.
Among her remarkable initiatives were a 2,300-kilometre journey from Lucknow to Goa and a 3,000-kilometre journey from Goa to Siliguri with 12 adopted dogs.
These journeys transformed roads into moving platforms for advocacy, drawing attention to animal welfare, adoption, vaccination, and responsible pet ownership.
Her message was clear: Indian street and indigenous dogs deserve love, protection, and a permanent place in our communities.
Adopt Compassion, Not Consumerism
Through her national “Adopt a Desi Dog” campaign, Chandrika has worked to change perceptions surrounding Indian breeds.
Rather than allowing pedigree preferences to define responsible pet ownership, she encourages people to consider adoption and give abandoned and rescued Indian dogs an opportunity for a safe and loving home.
The campaign reflects a broader philosophy that runs through her work—kindness should never be restricted by breed, appearance, or social status.
Beyond Animal Rescue
Chandrika’s activism extends into wider conversations about ethical and humane living. As President and Coordinator of No Leather Campaign International, she advocates for greater awareness around compassionate and sustainable choices.
She has also participated in and led public awareness campaigns promoting humane living, animal rights, adoption, and responsible coexistence.
Her work demonstrates that social service does not have to fit into a single category. Education, environmental consciousness, animal welfare, humanitarian values, and community awareness can intersect to create meaningful social change.
Recognition That Reflects Her Purpose
Chandrika’s dedication has earned her recognition on both social and national platforms.
She was crowned Winner of Indie Royal Mrs. India Classic 2019, a platform she has used not merely as a personal achievement but as another opportunity to amplify her message of compassion.
In 2025, she was recognized as a Super Woman 2025 title achiever by Forever Star India, adding another milestone to a journey already defined by service.
Yet, for Chandrika, recognition is secondary to impact. Every rescued animal, every vaccination, every adoption, and every person inspired to treat animals with greater kindness represents a more meaningful form of success.
A Life Built Around Service
Chandrika Y Lama’s story is ultimately about transformation.
She began as an educator, became a leader in academic institutions, and gradually found a larger purpose in social activism and animal welfare. Her professional experience taught her the power of education; her work with animals taught her the power of compassion; and her campaigns taught her that lasting change requires collective participation.
Today, she continues to balance education, advocacy, rescue work, awareness campaigns, and social responsibility.
Her vision is ambitious yet deeply human: a Rabies-Free and compassionate India where animals are treated with dignity and communities learn to coexist with all living beings.
In a world where social change often begins with a single individual choosing to act, Chandrika Y Lama stands as a powerful example.
She does not simply speak about compassion.
She lives it—one rescue, one vaccination, one adoption, and one act of kindness at a time.
Chandrika Y Lama — At a Glance
Founder: INDIE RTR Rescue Treatment Release Centre, Siliguri
Founder/Initiator: “Rabies Free Society” mission
President & Coordinator: No Leather Campaign International
Former Principal & Lecturer: Army and civilian educational institutions
Academic Qualifications: M.Phil. (Economics) B.Ed., NTT, DSE
Animal Welfare: Feeds and cares for 80+ stray animals daily
Vaccination Mission: 300+ dogs vaccinated through the Rabies Free Society initiative
Innovation: Pioneered QR-coded collars for rescued animals
Awareness Drives: Long-distance interstate campaigns covering thousands of kilometres
Campaign: “Adopt a Desi Dog”
Title: Winner, Indie Royal Mrs. India Classic 2019
Recognition: Super Woman 2025, Forever Star India
Focus: Animal welfare, education, humanitarian service, ethical living, and social awareness
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