TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains potentially distressing references to animal cruelty, violence, wars, rape, human conflict and other related topics
The little boy bent down and scooped up a couple of stones. He was nonchalantly whistling a popular tune. With a purposeful stride he moved within close range, took careful aim and launched one of the stones at the sleeping stray dog. Startled and in pain, the dog let out a yelp and scampered away, whimpering in pain with the amused kid in hot pursuit. Another stone missed its mark narrowly. The kid laughed rather garrulously and then with assumed indifference gave up chase. He walked away content having had his share of fun, albeit at the expense of the poor stray.
The above scene is typical of any lane in any town or city of India. For every reported (and unreported) attack by a stray dog on human(s), there are far more attacks on stray dogs. One look at the statistics is enough but my intent is not to stoke another debate on stray dogs versus humans.
Cruelty against animals is rampant and this is agnostic of geographies and cultures. We are taught from childhood that animals can be dangerous, hence the propensity of attacks on the one hand. On the other, it stems from a sense of entitlement, a premise that the space on this planet and the resources thereof belong to humans first and then whatever is left is for other species. This utter disregard for all other life leads us to behave with an arrogance and impunity which is so ingrained, that I have encountered vile personal attacks for helping animals from even the most devout and God-fearing of individuals. This same lack of concern for other life on earth is the root cause of deforestation. The sense of self-righteous entitlement and unending greed has created an insatiable monster in us.
The people who believe that animals can be ferocious and aggressive only need to look at the wars we humans have fought, and that too against each other. In the name of religion, country, race and other man-made divisions, we have killed and maimed each other for years. We have even fought mass scale world wars and bombed each other to stamp our authority. Emperor Ashoka realised the futility of war after he won the Kalinga War as recorded in the Edicts of Ashoka. Despite winning, he realised victory came with a heavy price and there was death and destruction on both sides. This realisation prompted him to adopt the path of ahimsa (non-violence) towards all life. He then ended the military expansion of his empire and began an era of more than 40 years of relative peace, harmony, and prosperity. Internecine conflicts and the wars aside, a look at the statistics of violent crime in almost all countries is a scathing testimony of the uglier side of human race. An animal attacks either when threatened or when hungry. It is a sad fact that we humans do it even for sport. Guns, weapons of mass destruction, large scale wars, concentration camps, gas chambers, terrorist attacks, missiles, nuclear bombs, rapes, honour killings, murderers, pedophiles, human traffickers, the list just goes on and on. Civilization, right? Humanity, anyone?
It is supreme irony indeed when people who do not blink an eye when animals are harmed, have the gall and temerity to call out animal lovers as “terrorists”. People who look after animals and treat all life as precious and equal, have to put up with this tragic nonsense on a daily basis. Being kind and considerate of life around us is a stigma.
Self-aggrandisement by our race has put this planet in peril. From the environment that supports and sustains us to the diverse species that populate this planet, we have harmed everything around us in a quest to dominate. We need to step back and think beyond our own selfish agenda. Whether we believe in God or not, we must acknowledge the right of every single life on this earth to lead its life and coexist peacefully. It is possible to live without being cruel. As normal populace, we fell the same when we think of terrorists carrying out senseless, wanton attacks. We need to extend the same advice to ourselves in our bearing towards all other life around us.
At zoos and elsewhere we have caged lions and tigers and we even have the huge elephants chained. It has never been the other way around. As a species, humans have grown exponentially to more than 7.8 billion. We aren’t extinct, if anything it is the exact opposite. Other plants and animals have, from the timid Pinta Island Tortoise to the even so-called ferocious ones. Apparently 150 species are going extinct daily, a 1000-fold increase in the background rate attributed to humans and a statistic not to be proud of. Clearly it should tell us one thing – we are most dangerous species to have ever walked this earth.
A little kindness, a little compassion, and a love for all life around us might just help us stem this trend if not reverse it immediately. If nothing, let us at least make a start with the humans first, dropping prejudices and our inclination to violent crime against each other. Accept each other unconditionally irrespective of our differences and at least try not to do harm, if we cannot do good. As a next step then, extend this to all life around us. This world indeed will be a better place to live. Buddhists and Jains have pivoted their life on this principle, and it has resulted in no detriment to them.
Next time you see a stray dog, it is fine if you do not feel any kindness and cannot feed it but please resist the urge to pick up that pebble.
Fantastomatic. Good one.
Heart touching. You have put apt words to what we all feel!
Very Interesting & Very Apt
Some behaviours are natural and some are inculcated
Some are even forced , some behaviours never change
Empathy: To many is natural ,, many learn this
This story’ might help in learning and changing
Very well written article, human race need to change their outlook towards all animate as well as inanimate objects in nature
Well said and written. Totally agree with the sentiments in the article. 🐶
The planet does not belong to humans alone and the animals are not there for our amusement to be caged or chained. This mindset needs to change, the eco system needs animals to thrive, it doesn’t need humans – go vegan 😉.
A well-articulated musing. If we could be a little more empathetic and get out of our selfish ways, the world will be a better place.
Superb article 👍🏽
Empathy and acceptance is so much needed
You are amazing with words Dr. Bhavesh😊
Beautifully written. Yes there are many things imbibed subconsciously in us, in our childhood, of stray being dangerous and could be harmful. And not everyone grows out of it.
Will be mindful to pass this to our next generation as a responsible parent.
A well articulated piece of your kind thoughts
Humans need to always show Empathy to All life. Well written
🙏🙏♥️♥️
I have witnessed cruelty to animals many times!! Some people just derive sadistic pleasure by doing harm to animals!! I believe that taking about it will help others understand the hardships animals go through everyday esp.in these corona times!
Very well written Sir😊….Every being is God’s creation on this planet n demands TLC- tender love n care!!😊
Nice & compact composition.
Animal lovers are a true testimony to humaneness. 👍👍🙏🙏🙏💐
“Self-aggrandisement by our race has put this planet in peril” is the key take away from your article.
And because of our own behaviour we as a race are slowly but steadily being discarded by the Nature.
An eye-opening shout out to the grim scenario around us! Amongst the first quotes I ever came across is “Live and let live”. And even after so many years of knowing this, I’m yet to see it registered in the minds of many of us!
Enjoyed reading your blog. Agree fully with your expressed views.
Superb. Incisive thinking and common sense rolled into a fine post.
Excellent write up! Our human ego of being a superior species has made us dangerously inhuman. Tme and again nature has taught us importance of other lives. A little love and a little care will do wonders.
Very finely written with a deep message.
Love it, very deep and very well written 🙏
This is indeed a subject close to my heart. Children sitting in classrooms today are our future dog breeders, pet parents and animal abusers. We need to teach them how to behave with animals. Through that process, they learn empathy not just for animals, but for people as well. For no matter how educated, talented, rich or cool we believe we are, how we treat others ultimately tells all. “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Wonderful. Classrooms are the best place to sow the seeds of empathy in children.
In full agreement, we have to recognise the pain and emotions of each living species, at least those with nervous system, Human beings have been too cruel in history and even today
Bhavesh a masterly conflict articulated. Hidden somewhere beyond the strays are the royalty of the world across nations that indulged heavily into the concept of hunting and began this war of humans with the animals. India with all its godly demeanours had one animal or the other as their vehicle and so ideally should have been a worshippers paradise; yet we see the conflict. A deeper view will see us using them as food and therein cruelty seems more as we every day kill and maim numerous species in the guise of food. Till this stops the love and empathy will be far fetched.
Bhavesh,
Exemplary write up on the utter selfish nature of homo sapiens.
As you said, the greed and lust demonstrated in the unmindful butchery is sickening to many , but not to some.
Rhinos ,elephants,tigers are examples of this senselessness.
Humans are superior because of the faculty of discrimination , rising above the basal animalistic instincts with understanding and empathy as you rightly pointed out.The most recent account of how nature’s balance is restored is seen when we are locked in .
Your blog makes for an excellent Excellent read.
Very well written. Superb
Beautiful thoughts. We need to show empathy to animals and teach the next generation to do the same. They belong to this world just as much we do.
A well narrated and inspiring article! Empathy, we all have it but sometimes we, as a human being forget to use it!
Well said and written. Totally agree with the sentiments in the article. 🐶
The planet does not belong to humans alone and the animals are not there for our amusement to be caged or chained. This mindset needs to change, the eco system needs animals to thrive, it doesn’t need humans – go vegan 😉.
Wonderful article regarding prevention of cruelty to animals…
Well said and written. Totally agree with the sentiments in the article. 🐶
The planet does not belong to humans alone and the animals are not there for our amusement to be caged or chained. This mindset needs to change, the eco system needs animals to thrive, it doesn’t need humans – go vegan 😉.
Well written bro ..
when if thought from a life(Jhiv) point of view then everyone will understand how it pains .. if it was other way ….
Have shared this with my kid as well ..
Very well written…. thought provoking… unfortunately in a country like ours human life has no value too
Brilliantly penned down so many aspects of human cruelty on animals, hats off Dr. Kotak. I have personally been vocal against zoos and you have written it down superbly.
Great blog, amazing read 👍
Very convincing – really good
Very well written….you should consider coaching as it will benefit many ….
Very well expressed article and aptly touches upon the tendency we humans have on sighting stray dogs
Nicely articulated 🙏 Love All Living beings😊
I like this what you wrote. Very well written narrative. As an animal lover like me, it has always pained me to see such actions when I have been in India. Tried to stop it sometimes but always afraid of the mob mentality that could rise against a no-sayer. People in India have to change their mindset, but it is true of everywhere. I see it here too but not as often. Thank you for writing this. Will share it.
Great thoughts.
It’s not the Tiger which becomes a man eater, it’s the other way around.
Utter disregard to the planet and other species has pushed the earth to its brink. Time for a wake up call.
Very well written!
Thought provoking!!
Well articulated!
Will spread this and create a universal awareness!!!
Beautifully written sir.. i loved the title.. empathy is free.. but when it comes to showing some.. people feel as if they are giving away a limb…
You are just great to explain your thoughts with those awesome self explanatory words Bhavesh…..nice way to improve our society with d help of cultivating our crucial mind….. great narration…
Brilliantly written
I agree with everything you have said. We see the the consequences of our actions more and more as time passes and it’s definitely time for change 🙂
Every single line, having a true emotions, an emotion(laughter) of a human being, an emotion(cry) of an animal. And the lines speaks the truth, our society and our standards.
Whenever we think of any change, we must change ourselves first.
Too good…!!
You write very well.liked the appeal with which you ended it.
The subject brings out the most common attitude humans towards animals more so in India. Which is why there are very few pet lovers in the country. Writeup brings out the subject very finely and as well teaches the real meaning of empathy and love towards all living beings in this planet.
Well written. Empathy and kindness are basic human traits. Good reminder!!
Bhavesh a masterly conflict articulated. Hidden somewhere beyond the strays are the royalty of the world across nations that indulged heavily into the concept of hunting and began this war of humans with the animals. India with all its godly demeanours had one animal or the other as their vehicle and so ideally should have been a worshippers paradise; yet we see the conflict. A deeper view will see us using them as food and therein cruelty seems more as we every day kill and maim numerous species in the guise of food. Till this stops the love and empathy will be far fetched.
Very well written Bhavesh.. my best part is “The people who believe that animals can be ferocious and aggressive only need to look at the wars we humans have fought, and that too against each other”
This blog has pierced my heart.😢
Through our superior intelligence, man has invaded nature today we illegally claim ownership of places that rightly belong to them.
Or may be shared space
Spreading this blog to all animal-haters.
Maybe, it can change them.!😊👍
Excellent … This is reflection of your strong beliefs.Dr this comes straight from your heart…
Would wait for next one..
The planet where we live is not just for humans(!)
This is the need of the hour. Well done. keep inspiring us.
Well said… a master stroke on the self embodiment of angst, denial and failures that gets unleashed at the very chance of being the Ruler than being Ruled…
Another great topic of relevance in today’s times. Thanks Bhavesh for sharing your thoughts. What seems to be appalling is that though we know the impact, we still move into self destruct mode for short term gains. Makes me wonder the world we are leaving behind for our children to inherit!
Beautifully written! Empathy is indeed lacking big time in India. I realize this when I see how animals are treated in the other parts of the world. They say ‘change comes from within’ and it is so true! Unless this attitude and the thought process changes, co-existence will only be fictional. Thanks for bringing this up and truly empathy doesn’t cost us anything.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article and could connect to it. Your writing style is engaging and phenomenal. I believe such topics should be talked about, so that we do not forget the bitter reality and do our bit to prevent misuse of animals.
I have been reading the book ‘Sapiens’ by Yuval Noah Harari. It correctly exemplifies how, over time, humans have exploited the natural way of being of many animals for our own benefit, by creating situations, and keeping them in environments that are extremely unnatural to them, to get something from them – be it entertainment, business, food, manual labour etc.
The situation is rather sad, and our relationship with animals quite thankless, even after knowing their importance in our lives.
Amazing bhavesh , absolutely beautiful…
Nice one Doc…I really liked the caption!!
The one who has power need to be more thoughtful not only in this context but in all other aspects of life too. Empathy is certainly one of those areas of being thoughtful.
Cheers!!! Looking forward for the next one 👉
So well articulated doctor….!!!
Really sad !! But true …..”empathy doesnt cost a thing”…very apt…beautiful articulation …
Superb Thoughts !
Very well said
Very well written. Our politicians as usual do not seem to have a vision for the environment which is apparent by the increased coal subsidies.