In a world that often measures progress through speed and scale, Dr. Preethi Srinivas reminds us that true growth begins with empathy. A TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and Founder of Befriend Cows, she’s redefining what compassionate coexistence can look like in modern society.
Through her nonprofit, Preethi helps individuals and communities rediscover their connection with animals (especially farmed animals) by turning compassion into a daily practice. Whether through workshops, storytelling, or mindful engagement at shelters, her work merges the emotional and the practical, blending wellness, humane education, and leadership rooted in kindness.
1. Tell us a bit about your background
“I’m the Founder and CEO of Befriend Cows, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming how people perceive and interact with animals—especially farmed animals. Through storytelling, education, and mindful engagement, we help individuals and communities rediscover compassion as a guiding force for wellbeing, sustainability, and social change.
Alongside leading the organization, I’m also an author—my recent novel Sakhyam became a bestseller on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, helping raise awareness and funds for animal welfare causes globally. My work blends wellness, humane education, and compassionate leadership to inspire conscious living.”
2. What first inspired you to begin this journey or take on the role you are in today?
“It began with a simple realization: that the bond between humans and animals, is deeply healing and profoundly overlooked. While volunteering at animal shelters and sanctuaries, I witnessed the emotional intelligence of these animals and how respectfully reconnecting with them sparked empathy and calm in people. I wanted to build a bridge between awareness and action—to help people experience compassion, not just talk about it. That’s how Befriend Cows was born: to awaken love and kindness through education, storytelling, and real-world experiences.”
3. Along the way, what has been one of the most defining challenges you faced, and how did you navigate it?
“One defining challenge was balancing emotional advocacy with practical impact. When your work centers on empathy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the suffering you witness. I had to learn to transform that empathy into constructive action—by building systems, collaborations, and programs that could scale compassion sustainably. Mindfulness and service helped me stay grounded, reminding me that change begins with inner balance before it can ripple outward.”
4. What impact do you feel your work has created so far— for people, communities, or within your industry?
“Befriend Cows has helped hundreds of individuals and families reconnect with animals and nature in meaningful ways—through workshops, humane education programs, and storytelling initiatives. We’ve also helped raise funds and visibility for sanctuaries across India and beyond. Perhaps most rewarding is seeing how this work shifts perspectives: children learning to empathize with farm animals, professionals finding calm through compassionate practices, and donors realizing that kindness can be a force for measurable impact.”
5. Looking ahead, what is your vision or goal for the future?
“My vision is to integrate compassion education and animal wellbeing into mainstream conversations on wellness and leadership. Over the next few years, we’re expanding Befriend Cows’ educational programs—bringing humane education and mindful decision-making into schools, corporates, and communities worldwide. We want to map out and help connect more people with sanctuaries globally. I see a future where compassion isn’t a niche virtue, but a practical, measurable value that drives human and planetary wellbeing.”
6. Finally, what message would you share with others who want to create positive change but are unsure where to start?
“Start with love towards animals. You don’t need grand plans to make a difference—just the willingness to act on what moves you. Listen deeply, learn constantly, and stay authentic to your values. The world changes when we choose kindness in small, consistent ways. Compassion has a quiet but unstoppable power—trust it, and it will guide you toward impact that feels both personal and profound.”
About Befriend Cows
Befriend Cows is a nonprofit movement dedicated to transforming how humans relate to animals, especially those we often overlook. Through storytelling, education, and community interaction, it nurtures empathy as a foundation for sustainable and mindful living. Founded by Dr. Preethi Srinivas, the organization works closely with sanctuaries, schools, and communities to make compassion both a value and a habit.
At UPDEED, we’re proud to highlight inspiring individuals who turn empathy into measurable impact. By sharing authentic journeys like Dr. Preethi Srinivas’, UPDEED continues its mission of connecting changemakers and amplifying good deeds globally.
