Naresh Akil, a 27-year-old MBA graduate and former IT professional, left his corporate job in Bengaluru to establish Thozhuvam, an animal sanctuary near Coimbatore dedicated to rescuing abused and abandoned animals. Motivated by a lifelong connection with animals and firsthand experience volunteering with NGOs, Akil created Thozhuvam as a refuge that houses a diverse range of animals, including horses, goats, pigs, and even a camel. The sanctuary emphasizes education over entertainment, offering guided tours that teach visitors—especially children—about responsible animal care, species behavior, and coexistence.

Thozhuvam also conducts outreach programs in schools and communities, promoting awareness about animal welfare and safety, including sessions on snakes and water safety through Akil’s freediving expertise. The sanctuary organizes free adoption drives to ensure long-term care for rehabilitated animals and plans to expand its educational initiatives with wildlife-focused summer camps. Akil’s vision is to foster a compassionate generation that respects animals as sentient beings, making Thozhuvam a space where both animals and people find safety, learning, and dignity.