Our Founder
Founder's Message
From Barkha Vikas Pincha — on purpose, compassion, and building Mercie Foundation.
Barkha Vikas Pincha — Founder, Mercie Animal Welfare Foundation
There are moments in life that quietly shape who we become—and then there are moments that shake us to the core and redefine our purpose forever. For me, that moment came unexpectedly, in a place far removed from suffering… yet deeply connected to it. I was raised in a Jain household, where compassion is not just taught, it is lived. From childhood, I learned the sacred principle of 'Live and Let Live'—beautifully captured in the Jain mantra: 'Parasparopagraho Jīvānām'—All life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence. These beliefs gently guided my choices. But it was one single incident that turned belief into action. While shopping at a luxury store, I admired a beautifully crafted leather bag. In a casual conversation, the store manager mentioned that a calf had been killed to create it. In that moment, everything changed. What I was holding was no longer a product—it was a life lost. I walked out of that store, but more importantly, I walked into a new purpose. A question stayed with me—Why had no one told me about this cruelty all these years? How many people, like me, who would never consciously support animal cruelty, are unknowingly participating in it every day?
I made a promise to myself that day—to never support cruelty, no matter how normalized or hidden it may be. That promise gave birth to Mercie Foundation. What started as a personal stand soon became a mission—to create awareness, to inspire conscious choices, and to support those who dedicate their lives to protecting the voiceless. Through Mercie Vegan Bags, we promote cruelty-free, sustainable alternatives that align with compassion and responsibility. Every product carries not just design and utility, but a story of kindness. The funds generated are directed towards meaningful impact. We proudly support Dhyaan Foundation, which manages over 50 gaushalas across India, providing care, shelter, and dignity to cows and other animals. We also extend our support to grassroots animal lovers, rescuers, and activists—those silent warriors who stand up every day for beings who cannot speak for themselves. Mercie Foundation is not just an organization. It is a belief that compassion can be a way of life. It is a reminder that even the smallest choices we make—what we buy, what we wear, what we support—have the power to either harm or heal. I believe that kindness is contagious. And if my journey can inspire even one person to pause, reflect, and choose compassion, then we are already creating change. Let us build a world where fashion does not cost a life, where progress does not come at the expense of innocence, and where humanity extends beyond humans. Because every life matters. And every choice counts.
— Barkha Vikas Pincha, Founder