We had the good fortune of connecting with Preethi Srinivas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Preethi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea behind this non-profit arose from the growing disconnection between people and animals in today’s society. While many people feel connected to pets and community animals, there’s often a significant gap when it comes to farm and wild animals. This disconnect isn’t just about proximity; it reflects a broader lack of awareness and engagement with the natural world.

Farm animals, in particular, are often overlooked unless people make a conscious effort to interact with them. This lack of connection can lead to less mindful consumer choices, especially centered around animal agriculture. Yet, animal agriculture is one of the leading contributors to global challenges like climate change. By reconnecting people—especially families—with these often-overlooked animals, we can foster a deeper sense of empathy and responsibility.

Our non-profit aims to bridge this gap by igniting a movement that encourages families to build social-emotional connections with animals. Through education and advocacy, we hope to inspire more conscious living, where our choices reflect compassion and understanding grounded in love. By nurturing these connections, we believe we can contribute to a kinder, more sustainable world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Befriend Cows is a non-profit that is dedicated to fostering social-emotional connections between families and animals, with a focus on creating a kinder world through education and advocacy. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to inspiring people to take action—whether it’s through our books, music videos, speaking platforms, or by actively visiting and supporting animal sanctuaries.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. One of the biggest challenges was breaking through the noise in a world where people are often disconnected from the natural world. It took perseverance and a clear vision to overcome these obstacles. I learned that authenticity and passion are powerful drivers in creating a brand that resonates with people. It’s essential to stay true to your mission, even when the journey gets tough.

The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is the value of community. Collaborating with others who share your vision can make a world of difference.

Our speaking engagements and music videos have also become powerful tools in spreading our message. These platforms allow us to connect with people on a deeper level, sharing stories, songs, and experiences that encourage them to not only understand but also actively engage in supporting sanctuaries. We believe that by visiting these sanctuaries, people can form life-changing connections with animals and become advocates for their welfare.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s not just about storytelling—it’s about creating real change. Our story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep belief in the power of love and connection.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge shoutout to everyone featured in my first book, The Sacred Bond: Personal Experiences of Cows Touching Human Lives. This book introduces readers to remarkable individuals who have rekindled their bond with cows, experiencing profound benefits both for themselves and the animals. Their stories demonstrate how these connections can break down walls built through trauma, uncover life purposes, and reveal the powerful influence that bovine animals can have on our lives—if we only give them a chance. Spanning cultures and continents, these narratives illustrate how our relationship with cattle is woven into the fabric of our shared humanity.

I’d also like to extend a heartfelt shoutout to Aditi Singh and Nadia Ronquillo for their invaluable support in bringing my children’s picture book to life. This book, which teaches the importance of being open to new experiences, caring for animals, and finding joy in exploring the natural world, is especially meaningful to me. Vijay Visits A Farm marks the beginning of a series of children’s books that I plan to craft in the years to come. All proceeds from this book will go toward raising awareness and funds for the well-being of animals in sanctuaries around the world.

Special thanks to everyone who preordered a copy of my upcoming book, Sakhyam: Igniting a Movement, which will launch in November 2024. I am incredibly grateful to the community for their early support, for this has brought the book closer to launch. Once the book is out, it will directly fund the cause of our mission.

Website: https://www.befriendcows.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/befriendcows/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srinivaspreethi/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@befriendcows

Other: Here’s where people can get access to my books–
Vijay Visits a Farm – https://www.amazon.com/Vijay-Visits-Farm-childrens-experiences/dp/1965485006
The Sacred Bond: Personal experiences of cows touching human lives – https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Bond-Personal-experiences-touching/dp/9655780619

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