Compassionate Crusaders Trust offers to rehabilitate tiger saviour

[Guest guest]

The Times of India, Kolkata Tuesday, February 26, 2008

 

*Braveheart gets NGO job offer*

 

Sumati Yengkhom | TNN

 

 

Kolkata: He was nearly torn apart by the tigress that had strayed into

Deulbari near the Sunderbans last Monday. But Asutosh Dhali survived to see

another day and also managed to rescue her. This Monday, he was rewarded for

his daredevilry with a job offer.

Compassionate Crusaders Trust (CCT), a city-based organisation working to

prevent cruelty against animals, has offered the 45-year-old a job for his

efforts. Dhali is now under treatment in SSKM Hospital for the wounds he

sustained when the tigress mauled his left thigh.

" Asutosh Dhali risked his life to save a tigress. Praising him is not

enough. We want to do something that will be meaningful to him and his

family. If he is willing, we shall employ him, " said CCT founder Debasis

Chakrabarty.

CCT has various units, including animal-shelter-cumtreatment centre,

clinic for animals and pet burial centres. Though Dhali's job profile is yet

to be finalized as the organisation is waiting for Dhali to be discharged.

" I am touched by the gesture. Let me first get back to my feet, I will

discuss the offer with my family before taking a final decision, " said

Dhali, who runs a small poultry farm at his village Katamari Haat in

Kultoli. Dhali felt that a job will ensure a better life for his family.

" I will have to marry off my daughter. A job may bail me out financially

during her marriage. But I have studied only till Class V, therefore I am a

little apprehensive about the kind of job they will offer me, " he added.

" We have often been told that we should save a tiger even if it means

losing our lives because they are endangered. This was the first time I

encountered a tiger and I am happy that I could do my part to rescue the

animal, " Dhali said.