Last year, Dr Dattatrya Shripati Kate, an Aurangabad-based engineer, presented a research paper titled 'A study on the history and utility of donkeys' at an international conference in London. "In all probability, I may be the only Indian to have done so," says the 55-year-old. The inspiration to present a case for the donkey came from a humdrum moment when he was outside his residence one morning. "I saw a lady selling jenny (term for a female donkey) milk. It took me back to my childhood in rural Maharashtra, where donkeys were bred in plenty. It was believed - and still is - that jenny milk is a good preventive for asthma and respiratory problems, and is equal to breast milk in terms of nutrients," says Kate over a phone call from Aurangabad. What made his resolve stronger was that it was after donkey's years that he had spotted one. "You just don't see them anymore. So, I wanted to highlight the fact that they irreplaceable."

Donkey settlements can be found in Thane, Bhiwandi and Vasai. Rearing the animal has traditionally been a business in the Waradi community. Pic/Sameer Markande