Riyan Parag Transforms His Cricket Memories into Comfort for Shelter Animals

Indian international cricketer Riyan Parag has deepened his commitment to animal welfare with yet another heartfelt initiative. Earlier this year, he supported the recovery of Janam, a rescued dog from a Delhi shelter run by animal welfare advocate Manavi Rai, founder of Udgam Charitable Trust — marking the beginning of his personal journey in giving back to animals in need. That experience, guided by Manavi’s extensive work in the rescue space, inspired Riyan to think beyond one-off gestures and create long-lasting, sustainable impact.

Riyan with his furriend Janam

Now, in collaboration with Respun, a sustainable recycling unit, Riyan has given his cricket memorabilia a meaningful second life. His old jerseys spanning U-19 tournaments, his domestic cricket career, Rajasthan Royals, and even his time with Team India have been repurposed into cozy beds for shelter animals. These unique jersey-beds will not only provide warmth during harsh winters but also bring comfort to abandoned and rescued animals awaiting new homes.

From Cricket Jerseys to Cozy Beds: Riyan Parag, Manavi Rai & Respun Support Shelter Animals

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=daKntS28_KadiNCz&v=407yU88-m1E&feature=youtu.be

Respun specializes in reimagining textiles into functional, eco-friendly products, and this partnership highlights how sustainability and compassion can intersect. By converting deeply personal cricket memorabilia into something that directly improves animal welfare, Respun and Riyan have created a model for how sports, community, and recycling can work together to drive meaningful social change.

Udgam Charitable Trust, which serves as Janam’s home, houses over 100 dogs in its Delhi shelter. Since its inception in 2020, the shelter has been run by a dedicated 15-member team and is equipped with an x-ray machine, a small operation theatre, a post-care room, visiting surgeons, and in-house paravets, making it one of the few grassroots shelters to provide such comprehensive medical care. Manavi’s vision extends far beyond Delhi; she believes such facilities should be replicated across India, ensuring that every city and village has accessible shelters and medical care for animals.

Speaking about the initiative, Riyan Parag said, “Every jersey I’ve worn holds special memories, but I wanted them to serve a bigger purpose beyond my career milestones. Recycling them into beds for shelter animals felt like the perfect way to combine two things close to my heart, cricket and animal welfare. Janam has already changed the way I look at responsibility and compassion, and I hope this effort inspires others to support both sustainability and animal care.”

This initiative underlines how emotional sporting milestones can be transformed into practical, purpose-driven solutions for society. Riyan’s journey of giving back to society continues to grow stronger, with more unique collaborations with industry leaders like Respun on the horizon — blending care, community, and sustainability into his off-field legacy.

About: Udgam Charitable Trust

Founded in 2020 by animal welfare advocate Manavi Rai, Udgam Charitable Trust is a Delhi-based animal shelter dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of abandoned and injured animals.

• 
  Scale of Care: The shelter houses over 100 dogs at any given time.

• 
  Team Strength: A dedicated team of 15 members, including 2 in-house paravets, ensures smooth day-to-day operations.

• 
  Facilities: Equipped with an x-ray machine, a small operation theatre, a post-care room, and support from visiting surgeons, Udgam offers medical facilities that go beyond basic care.

• 
  Medical Collaborations: For specialized treatments, Udgam regularly works with CGS, The Eye Vet, and Animilia Hospital.

Manavi started the shelter out of an urgent need to provide timely medical care and refuge to street animals. Her philosophy is rooted in compassion and justice for the voiceless: “It is not just about feeding or caring for dogs anymore; it is about being the voice for the voiceless. My dream is that animals have rights, laws, and the respect they deserve and that rescuers, feeders, and caregivers are also valued for their service to society.”

Respun

Respun is a sustainable recycling unit committed to giving textiles a meaningful second life. By repurposing fabrics into practical, eco-friendly products, Respun reduces waste and promotes circular economy practices.

“At Respun, our focus has always been on creating products that merge sustainability with social good. Collaborating with athletes, organizations, and communities allows us to bring this vision to life in meaningful ways. Working with Riyan Parag to transform his treasured jerseys into beds for shelter animals is a perfect example of how recycling can be paired with compassion. What makes this initiative even more special is Riyan’s humility, for someone so young and successful to think of giving back in such a thoughtful way reflects his genuine care for animals and the planet. We believe recycling should not just be a process but a way of life, reimagining memories and milestones into products that care for both people and the planet.”