In a world where many people ignore the pain of others, one young man from Varanasi has chosen to live a life full of compassion. Meet, Nilanshu Singh. He is a self-motivated changemaker, environmentalist, animal Afterlife Caretaker, activist and a person who performs respectful funerals for dead animals. He is also the founder of a growing movement called 'Good Habit for Change'.
On the sacred ghats of Varanasi — where life, death, and spirituality come together — Nilanshu performs abandoned animal funerals using holy river water. But he does not do this for humans — he does it for animals. He finds the bodies of stray dogs, cows, cats, and birds on roads, in garbage dumps, or rivers. Without any financial help from NGOs, Charity and the government, he respectfully cremates them, using his own earned money and effort.
By the middle of 2025, he has performed Antim Sanskaar — the sacred last rites — for more than 491+ animals and birds. For his dedication, integrity, unshakable passion. His contributions has been recognised officially by the USA Book of World Record.
Inspired by Family and Nation
Nilanshu’s sense of service comes from two strong influences — his family and his country. His father, Shri Shyam Narayan, a retired government officer, Superintendent (Mech) from Uranium Corporation of India Limited, Narwapahar mines, Jamshedpur. His father led incredible programs that made people aware of community garbage waste and worked on treating industrial chemical wastewater polishing pond. Watching this growing up, Nilanshu learned the importance of taking responsibility.
He was also inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan — a national campaign for cleanliness. These influences gave Nilanshu a clear purpose: to turn silent acts of kindness into real change. He says, we all need to see animals as souls, not just as trash.
A Vision Beyond Activism
In November 2023, Nilanshu started 'Good Habit for Change', a movement that encourages small, meaningful actions to help people and the environment. It’s not about protests or being famous. It’s about changing yourself through good habits.
Nilanshu believes: 'Your one Good Habit for Change can make a Difference.'
His mission is to educate, inspire, encourage, empower, and unlock the potential in people so they can adopt one good habit that helps and will bring a positive change among the youth, the society, the community, and the country.
Dignity for the Forgotten
What makes Nilanshu’s work special is the spiritual care he gives to animals after death. He doesn’t just remove the bodies — he honors them with prayers, rituals, and chants. He sometimes walks long distances and works extra hours just to afford firewood for their cremation by rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.
He says, 'There’s no difference between a human soul and an animal soul. Both deserve peace and respect.'
Recognition for Humanity, Not Fame
Recently, the USA Book of World Records recognized Nilanshu — not just for the number of animals he has creamated, but for his deep commitment and love.
Nilanshu said, 'It’s more than just a record. It’s a recognition of humanity.' He added, 'People are ready to pay for meat, but not to give animals a respectful farewell.'
A Digital Movement with a Spiritual Heart
Although his work is done in his local area, his message is reaching people around the world. On Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, he shares real stories, promotes veganism, emotional videos, and posts that make people think.
He is not trying to become popular. He is trying to rebuild compassion in people — one message, one prayer, one funeral at a time.
Many people have messaged him saying they now feed stray animals, respectfully bury dead birds, or have started plant-based diets because of his influence.
Beyond Varanasi: A Mission Without Borders
Even when he lived in Delhi, he continued doing his rituals on the banks of the Yamuna River. This shows his mission is not limited by place.
Now, he is looking for people in different cities and countries who share the same values. His dream is to create a network of changemakers who believe that a one good habit and one small step can lead to big changes — not through money or fame, but through kindness.
Changing the Way We See Life, Karma and Death
Nilanshu’s work is more than just caring for dead animals. It is about reminding people that all life is sacred.
People who once made fun of him now help him by giving firewood and a helping hand. Children ask questions about his rituals. Families have started seeing animals as souls, not just as trash. Through 'Good Habit for Change', Nilanshu is showing the world a new way to think about compassion — and teaching us that even the most forgotten lives deserve respect.
