Raise Your Voice Even When No One Listens: A Real-Life Story of Compassion

Have you ever felt the need to raise your voice when something wrong was happening right in front of you — but stayed silent, wondering if it would even matter?
How many times have we convinced ourselves that someone else will handle it, or thought, “Maybe it’s not my responsibility?”
But what if real change begins the moment we choose to raise our voice, even when no one seems to listen?

I had a similar experience when I addressed an issue that, for others, didn’t seem significant at all — mostly due to a lack of awareness. Even the friends I shared it with simply felt sad for a moment and moved on. But for me, this issue was important.
More than the question “Should I even bother?” or “Will it even have an impact?” — my compassion was stronger.
So, I took action. After our Class 10 board exams, our school organized a grand farewell party for the students. It was truly a joyful and memorable event.
I was celebrating and having a great time when I noticed something unusual.
For student engagement, our school had brought animals (officially owned by the school) for students to click photographs with. As an animal lover, I was overjoyed at first.
But when I saw two dogs — specifically, Tibetan Mastiffs Breed

I paused.
Something didn’t feel right. (You would get to know as you read further)

I approached the dogs, and my concern deepened.
Their eyes were bloodshot, they were heavily panting, and they looked extremely tired — all of which are not good signs in dogs.
Despite their visible distress, they were still trying to engage playfully with me and my friends.

For context, Tibetan Mastiffs are a large dog breed with a thick, heavy coat of fur.
They are naturally suited for cold regions like Tibet and the Himalayas — not hot, humid regions like Maharashtra. (where I live)
Seeing these beautiful creatures suffering in an unsuitable environment disturbed me deeply. Additionally, they are independent dog breeds, which roam freely in their suited regions, so even a nice arrangement of AC and cooler is not good for them.

I knew I had to do something.
I couldn’t just walk away.
So, I wrote a heartfelt letter to the school’s director.

[ NOTE: For privacy reasons, the names of school and individual have been hidden].

Respected [ Name Hidden] Sir,

Some things can be ignored, Suffering cannot.       

I am an ex-class 10^th student of [ School’s Name Hidden]. Firstly, I sincerely appreciate the beautiful farewell [ School’s Name] organised for us. It was a heartfelt event and I am truly grateful. Thank you for making our day special.

But amidst the celebration, I saw two innocent souls suffering. The Tibetan Mastiff. I got the opportunity to interact with them during this event and while interacting I saw their eyes bloodshot and they seemed to look tired. Additionally, I know about this breed. The Tibetan Mastiffs are meant to live in colder mountainous regions like Tibet and the Himalayas. There significant trait is that these are Independent in nature.

Maharashtra’s climate is not suitable for them as it causes heat stress, discomfort, and serious health issues. I know that there would be some arrangements for them to make them comfortable in our school like ac rooms or coolers where they stay but these arrangements are not the ultimate solution, as it would help them to be relaxed physically but it would be no other than cage for them, as these are independent in nature and would not enjoy being in a cage.

Sir, wouldn’t it be heartbreaking to see a fish struggling to breathe on land? Then why are we making these dogs endure a climate they were never meant for?

In class 10^th, from the very first chapter of literature I took moral that we should be compassionate towards animals and bloodshot eyes in a dog is not a good sign for its health but the irony is that the same moral which I learnt from the school is not followed by the school itself. I have a big purpose in my life and its one part is animal welfare, so it’s my duty to talk about this issue. I want those innocent souls to be happy which clearly, they were not.

I know that your intentions are good about raising students within animals and nature, but somewhere mistake has been done. Though there was no one who addressed this issue because of LACK OF AWARENESS, but at least one saw this issue and that’s what makes a difference. I had spent my 8 years in, [ School’s Name] and with school; I had admired you the most. I had seen compassion, charisma and charm in you, the smiley face while taking sessions of students is truly appreciable and that’s why I wrote this letter to you.

I think the school should reconsider their decision about taking Tibetan Mastiff because it’s unethical and for a prestigious school like ours, it doesn’t look good.

Possible Solutions for Tibetan Mastiff

1. Relocating to a suitable climate: These dogs would be more happier and healthier in cooler region so, partnering with an animal welfare organization in cold region to find a better home is a better solution.
2. Providing better living conditions: If re-homing is not option, the school must ensure the dogs has a cool shaded environment and proper veterinary care and not to let them be out at afternoon just to interact with visitors and students as they suffer physically and mentally yet behave nicely.
3. Not buying same breed again
4. Rethinking the choices of school dogs: Instead of choosing an expensive and unsuitable breed, why not adopt an indie dog. These native dogs are well –adapted to our climate, highly intelligent and make excellent companion when trained. I know, that these dogs, wont initially attract visitors or students but to be honest, Dogs are not showpiece, they are our companions. Moreover, introducing an indie dog would send a powerful message to students that adoption is better than buying and kindness should be extended to all animals, not just expensive or fancy breed.

If [ School’s Name] takes the initiative to adopt Indie dogs, it will not only give a proper shelter to these dogs but it would also educate young minds on the importance of adoption, animal welfare and responsible choices. this initiative could set an example for other schools and communities creating a ripple effect of positive change. Moreover, such an ethical decision would add value to the school’s reputation, showing that [ School’s Name] stands for both education and ethical responsibilities.

I sincerely hope you will reflect on this matter. After all, isn’t the role of an educational institution to not only teach lessons but also practice what it preaches?

Yours truly

Durgeshwari Mali

Class 10^th

After writing and submitting the letter, I chose to speak up rather than stay silent.
I didn’t receive any response from my school.
Yes, initially, I was disappointed.
But honestly, what gave me real satisfaction was the fact that I stood up for the voiceless.

If I hadn’t written that letter, the regret of staying silent would have hurt me far more than the disappointment of being unheard.

The purpose behind sharing this blog and my experience is simple:
To remind you that raising your voice against wrong is important — even if you don’t get results or recognition.

Somewhere deep down, I already expected that I might not get any response.
But still, I wrote the letter because I wanted to fulfill my part.
I wanted to stay true to my own compassion and values. Sometimes, even in your journey, you might not see immediate results after doing something good.
But that doesn’t mean your actions were wasted.

I believe “Staying silent in front of wrong is a sin”.

We must continue to speak up —
Even if the world doesn’t recognize it.
Even if no one praises us.
Because in the end, your soul knows you did the right thing.

And trust me, the impact of a small action may not create ripples immediately,
but it plants a seed for something good.

🌱 So let’s continue to plant seeds of change, one small voice at a time.

Sometimes, even the smallest act of kindness goes further than we imagine. I’ve shared one such moment in my blog The Ripple Effect of Kindness — you can read it here.”

Let’s stay connected beyond this blog — I share more reflections and content on Instagram too.