DRIVE OUT THE BEAST WITHIN MAN – LET THE ANIMALS RULE THEIR KINGDOM

DRIVE OUT THE BEAST WITHIN MAN – LET THE ANIMALS RULE THEIR KINGDOM

Animal Kingdom is as sacred a creation of the Supreme Force as anybody else. They possess consciousness and form the basis from which human beings have evolved. The life of animals should be respected and revered by all thinking, conscience human beings. There should be no hunting of animals, no maltreatment of them, no caging of birds. I would love to see that day when all the national governments of the world protect animals, promote animal rights and promulgate laws to curb cruelty towards animals. I would wait for that day when all the nations endorse and effect the Jainism’s brand of kindness towards animals. End the animal holocaust-Bring the Needed Change-Let the Ethical Way Bloom.

Animals are created by the same Creator as man’s. No Doubt, they are much less evolved than human beings and have no real sense of intelligence as per Human Standards, but at the same time, they possess sufficient level of consciousness and most of them are considered biologically highly developed. It is on this basis that a strong case is made in favour of kindness towards animals, which is both, man’s obligation towards nature and the highest level of civilizational sense. Animals have been the softest targets of most civilizations of human beings. They have been slaughtered, butchered, killed for a range of things right from hide, meat to various medicinal products. Human Being has since a long time lived with a sense of exclusivity, as if they are the sole specie residing on this planet. Few religions have prescribed , promoted or ordained the virtue of kindness towards animals. Notable among these are- Jainism, it is the most fervent on this issue, followed by Hinduism and finally, to some extent Buddhism.

The time has come for a change. Human Being has to live in perfect harmony with his Environment. Animals are as much the inheritors of this Kingdom of Earth as Man, albeit at a much different scale. Animals deserve and must get their due- The Right to Live. It is as much their basic need as the Fundamental Human Rights is of Human Beings. Animals feel the pain when they are slaughtered and this is highly unethical-immoral. It is common sense. We need laws across the world to discourage Non-Vegetarian eating and other forms of cruelty towards animals.

GREEN REVOLUTION – POTENTIALLY A RESCUER OF ANIMAL KINGDOM

The Green Revolution has been successful in large parts of Indian Subcontinent, and also in other parts of the world. It has increased the food production manifold. This is a point to cheer. As more cereals production (Wheat, Rice) and also increase in other types of foodgrains production should appropriately mean lesser and lesser dependence on Animal Products. The Foodgrains production is continuously improving and today the world produces enough to satisfy it’s need through a veggie diet. But this needs some vision on the part of planners. People should be encouraged to switch over from Non-Vegetarian Foods to Pure Vegetarian Foods.

 A law enforcing vegetarianism and discouraging cruelty towards animals, if and when it comes, in India or anywhere in the world would be the most radical and revolutionary change the world has seen so far.

CAGING OF BIRDS AND OTHER TYPES OF CRUELTIES

Lakhs of Birds across the globe are kept in cages whether at home or in the Zoos. This is a very cruel, inhuman and immoral practice. The Nature of Birds is to fly in the open air. To keep them confined to small cages is highly unethical. Laws have been passed against these ‘inhumane practices’ but with limited success. Governments needs to be more stringent on this issue. Tougher laws and stricter punishments for the violators needs to be put in place. This practice must ideally be brought out of existence.

Animals are also kept in Circuses and Zoos in highly ‘torturous’ and inhospitable conditions. Something needs to be done about this seriously. Use of animals in circuses should be banned effectively. And zoos need to improve their track record. Poor conditions for animals is a grave fault on their part. The Animals kept as pets should not be maltreated as well.

HOPE IS SURGING

The number of Vegetarians is increasing across the world. It is evident from the statistics. This is more so in the Developed West. The Recent establishment of ‘Muslim Vegan Community’ in UK shows vegetarianism is growing acceptance among Muslims as well. Not only this, the influence of organizations working against cruelty towards animals is growing. These are heartening developments. But still lots needs to be achieved.

 IN THE END

Promotion of vegetarianism, and lessening other cruelties towards animals is the key to making this planet more animal friendly. There are many who will question this concern for animals, when even many nations of people have not come out of evils like chronic poverty. Let me say this, that many issues of Positive development go hand in hand. Animal Rights Protection is the Highest Level of Human Civilizational Virtue. It is in this context that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest man of our times had said the following words-:

  “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”

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