Akshay Ridlan’s journey to transforming society with QR technology

Akshay Ridlan’s compassion for animals has ignited a technological revolution aimed at societal transformation. His groundbreaking use of QR technology through his project ‘Chetna’ is not only reshaping our approach to societal challenges but also nurturing empathy and compassion towards animals and vulnerable individuals.

In an exclusive interview with Newsband, Akshay talks about his aim to build a more inclusive world by seamlessly integrating technology with empathy.

Recounting the genesis of his journey, rooted in his deep love for animals. Akshay shared, “I began my journey as an animal lover, feeding dogs, cats, and even cows since I was twelve. This bond led me to delve into animal activism, culminating in a pivotal moment in 2020 when my close friend, Kalu, a stray dog, went missing during the festival season as firecrackers triggered fear in him and I lost him.”

Ridlan added, “Driven by the anguish of losing Kalu and the desire to aid others in similar situations, I conceived the idea of using QR technology to facilitate the reunion of lost animals with their caretakers. This idea materialized into reality, and since its inception on September 12th, 2023, we have tagged over 5,500 dogs across India.”

Reflecting on what led him to pursue the idea of QR code pendants, Ridlan said, “While studying in college, I was struck by the prevalence of missing persons’ cases in India. Witnessing the gap between available technology and its application to address societal issues propelled me to take action."

He recalled the story of Tarun Gupta, a specially-abled child who went missing from Colaba, Mumbai and how it has been more than five years since he has been found.  

He said, “Had Tarun been equipped with a QR tag pendant, like our Project Chetna, his story might have had a different outcome. Recently, our QR pendant facilitated the swift reunion of Vinayak Kohli, a 12-year-old child with autism, with his family.”

ProjectChetna.in and Pawfriend.in are two parts of the same registered NGO called Ridlan AI Foundation. Pawfriend.in works to create awareness, compassion, and empathy towards animals, especially stray animals. They have already launched an initiative called Pawfriend Army, and it aims to feed animals, take care of and feed animals, specifically, dogs, cats, cows and stray animals which have no one to look after them. Pawfriend.in also provides ‘Aadhar cards’ like identification for stray animals via the QR code.

Ridlan’s project, aptly named ‘Chetna,’ meaning consciousness, aims to assist individuals who have lost consciousness or are disoriented due to conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. Each QR-based digital identification pendant costs Rs 200 to produce.

ProjectChetna.in and Pawfriend.in are integral parts of the Ridlan AI Foundation, actively promoting awareness and compassion towards animals, particularly stray animals. Ridlan elaborated on the functionality of the QR codes, detailing the registration process and its application across various demographics, including individuals with disabilities and senior citizens. It helps keep a record of their name, address and other necessary details.

Highlighting a success story, Ridlan narrated how the QR code pendant aided in reuniting Vinayak Kohli with his family after he went missing. He emphasized the collaboration with organizations like the All India Railwaymen Federation which extends the initiative to senior citizens who are former employees and struggle with age-related conditions.

The QR codes also serve as a crucial tool for stray animal identification, containing vital medical records such as vaccination and sterilization details, thereby aiding government authorities in managing stray animal populations and preventing diseases like rabies.

He stated that the impact of the QR code technology is in front of our eyes citing Vinayak’s example as the family experienced emotions from trauma to joy, especially when a mother’s love is involved. And the happiness of the entire family when they are reunited. This has been a positive impact that has been made.

Speaking about his future plans, Ridlan said, “My future plan is to build solutions for India, which can help society and serve the society with digital and artificial intelligence solutions. In short, to build tech and AI solutions for society.”
He added, “I am not just motivated but passionate about my work. Seeing happy faces motivates me, but apart from that, I would say it is my passion and hunger to serve. This has been driven by my inner calling. To implement my skills and whatever I have been taught from the last 25 years by my family, teachers, and academics.``
He concluded by saying my message for the youth of today is this, “Keep hustling and keep shining! Help people and animals around you, while we are growing in our career we shall deliver on our responsibilities towards our society and make this world beautiful for all.”