Actor Prakash Raj to flag off the ambulance services of Praana Foundation, founded by Samyukta Hornad, on 14 January.
Published Jan 11, 2023 | 8:30 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 11, 2023 | 8:30 AM
Samyukta Hornad launched Praana Foundation to protect the lives of animals. (Supplied)
Even before foraying into the film industry as an actor, Samyukta Hornad had a family that has been part of the film industry for generations.
They include her grandmother Bhargavi Narayan, mother Sudha Belawadi, and uncle Prakash Belawadi.
However, the actor always aspired to do her bit for animal welfare.
“Apart from studies, I actively participated in animal welfare activities and even got a certificate for my work, which I had on my resume when looking for opportunities in journalism,” Samyukta told South First.
It might sound funny, but the first time she was asked to send her profile (as an actor) to a Tamil filmmaker, Samyukta mentioned in it that she wanted to launch an animal welfare organisation of her own.
“So, I had been saying this without knowing that I was already on that journey,” she smiled.
Actor Prakash Raj will launch the ambulance services of the organisation — the first of the many programmes to be initiated by her animal welfare — Praana Foundation.
“The main intention of the foundation is to educate and create awareness about policies such as animal birth control. I want to set up trauma centres in the future. Launching ambulance services is the first step that will be flagged off by Prakash Raj sir on 14 January,” she said.
Kannada actor-animal lover Samyukta Hornad. (Supplied)
Samyukta has plans to expand the ambulance services across Karnataka, and even beyond it.
Two ambulances will be launched on 14 January, and two more by the end of the month.
The foundation was the result of two-and-a-half years of effort put in by her team, she said, adding: “During the initial days of Covid-19, I was actively taking part in rescue and other missions.”
Samyukta continued: “During these missions, I came across a few people who had a vision similar to mine. For example, Anirudh is a member of an anti-animal-cruelty group. We came together to set up the Praana Foundation.”
While she continues to pursue her passion for acting along with her love for animals, her dedicated team will work for Praana.
Samyukta Hornad. (Supplied)
“Since I am a member of an animal welfare and husbandry body, I will be working well within the system to improve policies for animals,” she said.
As for her inspiration behind Praana, Samyukta said: “Even as a child, I could never sit idle. I was into multiple activities: art, music, or anything which excited me. My mother always said I just could not stay quiet.”
She added: “Even during the Covid-19 period, I was very much outside, doing my own thing. I kept getting calls from people telling me how they could help me when it came to animal welfare. This is when I came across the team, and eventually, Praana happened,” she added.
The actor said she finds peace and happiness in any space she is put in.
“I can live in any condition, and even without a network that has become a huge part of all our lives in the present-day atmosphere,” she laughed.
On the work front, she will be seen in a vital role in the upcoming film Kranti, starring Darshan and Rachitha Ram. It is scheduled for release on 26 January.
This apart, Samyukta is paired up with Darling Krishna in PC Shekhar’s Love Birds. Also, her Telugu web series Jhansi is releasing on 17 January.
“I’m doing a couple of big-budget films the details of which I will share in the coming days. Right now, I’m happy with everything I love and live for,” Samyukta signed off.
