Author, animal activist, and co-founder of People For Cattle in India (PFCI), Suchitra S Rao has transformed simple acts of kindness into powerful national movements. From writing hard-hitting fiction to leading grassroots initiatives, her journey is one of purpose, empathy, and impact.
The Author Who Chose Advocacy Over Applause
Suchitra S Rao’s journey as an author and changemaker is nothing short of inspiring. Her literary work goes beyond entertainment—it drives awareness and action. Her debut novel, The Highway Mafia, is a gripping narrative that exposes the brutal underworld of illegal cattle trafficking in India.
About the Book – The Highway Mafia
A bold fictional take inspired by real events, Focuses on the illegal cattle trafficking network that operates across Indian highways, Offers a unique blend of suspense, truth, and activism Impact & Reach:
10,000+ copies sold (print + digital), Featured in literary panels, animal welfare forums, and educational platforms, Used by activists, lawyers, and educators to raise awareness about animal trafficking People For Cattle in India (PFCI): A Mission Rooted in Compassion As co-founder of PFCI, Suchitra Rao has been instrumental in addressing pressing issues such as cattle trafficking, cruelty to animals, and urban animal neglect. Through legal intervention, community engagement, and awareness campaigns, PFCI has rescued and supported countless animals across India.
The Water Bowl Challenge: Quenching Thirst, Spreading Kindness
One of Suchitra’s most profound contributions is the Water Bowl Challenge—a nationwide movement started by her through PFCI to ensure that community animals and birds have access to clean drinking water, especially during harsh Indian summers.
The Vision:
A simple yet powerful idea—to place water bowls outside homes, offices, and public areas.
Impact Stats:
25,000+ water bowls distributed across 15+ Indian states, Involvement from 50,000+ individuals and volunteers, Covered by 100+ news outlets, including regional and national media, Participation from the Indian cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Banglore, Coimbatore etc.
Beyond Bowls: Fostering a Culture of Compassion
For Suchitra, the Water Bowl Challenge is just the beginning. It’s a gateway to empathy—encouraging people to extend kindness beyond species, caste, and class.
Through educational workshops, storytelling, and activism, she continues to Promote conscious co-existence, Equip communities with tools to care for animals and Inspire the next generation of change-makers.
A Legacy in the Making
From writing one of the few novels that tackles animal trafficking in fiction, to placing water bowls across a nation, Suchitra S Rao has proven that compassion is a revolution in motion.
She remains a symbol of selfless activism, influencing thousands to take small, impactful steps toward making the world better—for every living being.