The origins of Karuna date back to April 1995, when Mrs. Clementien Pauws decided to settle in Puttaparthi with her husband and son. They came to India from Holland to meet their Guru, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and, very soon, Clementien became concerned about the condition of many of the animals in Puttaparthi.

She went around on her bicycle feeding mother dogs and puppies and taking serious cases to Bangalore for treatment. More and more animals were collected in her house. In 1998 she started Animal Rescue Project Puttaparthi as a branch of CUPA Bangalore. Narashima and his wife were the first helpers as attendants. After some time she was supported by Narendra Reddy, an animal lover, now Secretary of Karuna Society.

Mr Noor Ahmed Khan, owner of a travel agency and car rental in Puttaparthi, joined hands with Clementien by providing transportation of sick animals that needed treatment in Bangalore.

In the mean time, Mrs Romula D’Silva and her husband, employed in Dubai (UAE), were guided by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in 1997, to purchase a 5 acre land near Puttaparthi. As directed by Baba, this land was to be used to set up an animal shelter.

Around 1998 Clementien and Romula met and stayed in touch. In 2000, it was decided that a trust for the welfare of animals should be formed and, all together, we registered Karuna Society for Animals and Nature under The Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860, in Anantapur on September 18th, 2000.

In 2007, Romula, returned to India permanently to set up home in Puttaparthi and to be involved full time with Karuna.

Over the years, with the help of a dedicated team of workers and the support of well-wishers, the organization has grown from rescue and care of small animals to care of large animals and organic farming.

Executive Committee

Clementien A Pauws-Koenegras - President

Romula D’Silva - Vice-President

Cheruvu Narendra Reddy -Secretary

Gurukani Manjunath - Treasurer

Noor Ahmed Khan Alias Asger Ali Khan - EC Member

Pujari Narasimha - EC Member

Jallipalli Narayanagari Jagadish - EC Member

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead