Seerat Kapoor Urges On This 79th Independence Day: “If We Truly Value Freedom, Let’s Offer It to Stray Animals Too. Patriotism isn’t just about flags and speeches, it can also be about how we treat the most vulnerable among us”

• TvTalks Team
• 2025-08-14T16:03:00+05:30

As India gears up to celebrate its 78th Independence Day, a time to reflect on freedom and rights actress Seerat Kapoor used her platform to highlight an issue close to her heart — the rights and freedom of stray animals. Drawing attention to the plight of stray animals adds a deeper dimension to the celebration. Her advocacy brings much-needed awareness to the idea that freedom should extend beyond just human rights and include compassion and care for animals who share our spaces.

The recent Supreme Court verdict on relocating stray dogs to shelters in Delhi-NCR has ignited a heated debate across the country. While the move was intended to address safety concerns, it has sparked outrage among animal lovers, activists and celebrities who believe it violates the animals’ right to live freely in their territories. Joining this chorus of dissent, Seerat Kapoor, who herself has had a pet dog and adopted a stray cat, shared an impassioned plea:

“As we prepare to celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on what freedom truly means. If we truly understand the spirit of independence, then shouldn’t that include the voiceless too? Our stray dogs and cats deserve the freedom to live safely and peacefully in the spaces they call home. Every day, we witness acts of cruelty against them. As a society, we must ask ourselves: are we truly free if we deny compassion to those who cannot speak for themselves? My request is simple — if you can, adopt an indie breed. Give them the love, shelter and the dignity they deserve. In some parts of our own country, dogs are worshipped. Around the world, they are cherished. Their freedom matters too. Together we must overcome this struggle and offer them their basic rights. I urge all to unite and extend the meaning of ‘freedom’ to include all lives — humans and animals alike.”

The actress expressed deep concern over the state of existing shelters, which are already overcrowded and often lack resources. She believes relocating strays en masse will only worsen their suffering.

“Most shelters are already full. Relocating stray animals isn’t a solution, it’s a punishment. We need to stop treating their existence as a problem to be moved and start recognizing their right to live freely and safely among us. If we humans deserve to move without threat, so do they. This Independence Day, I stand in solidarity with every stray dog and cat. I pray that our society makes fair and compassionate choices, recognizing that true independence means freedom for all living beings. Let’s remember: Independence isn’t just a human right — it’s a right for every life that shares this land with us.”

Using her platform to speak on behalf of voiceless beings not only reflects her compassion but also encourages her followers and the public to rethink their role in creating a kinder, more inclusive society. It highlights that patriotism isn’t just about flags and speeches, it can also be about how we treat the most vulnerable among us.

Seerat’s heartfelt message comes as a reminder that compassion should extend beyond humans and that the spirit of freedom India celebrates every August 15th should be inclusive of the voiceless, too.