16/05/2026
A Tribute to Dr. Ketan Bhatikar
Last monsoon, after a surge in dog bite cases, we were stuck in a cycle of complaints, calls, meetings, and inspections. There were no funding plans in sight.
Then he called.
"Madam, amhi vaat polovya naka. We will start working immediately. The Ketan Bhatikar Trust will finance the sterilisations. Don't wait for the grants."
And just like that, work began.
His team of volunteers joined hands with the P.F.A staff. They went ward to ward, helping people safely confine strays for the programme. Our catching efforts were cut in half because of their groundwork.
Two days before that fatal day, I called him to say
''Doctor, I want new members in P.F.A from your team."
"Madam, sanga,"..came his instant reply, as always when he picked up the phone.
"Once I'm back, I’ll call a meeting of all the volunteers. We can meet at my office or at P.F.A. We will do whatever is possible."
He never said, _"We’ll see what can be done."
With him, it was never just plans and promises. It was immediate action and relentless movement toward the goal.
With gratitude and love,
People for Animals-Ponda
Rest in Peace, Dear Dr.Ketan Bhatikar.
Your support was Na bhuto na bhavishyati'' there was none like you before, and there will be none like you again.
A daring Soul you were!
