October 2nd MAHATMA GANDHI’S BIRTHDAY
Who among us isn’t blissful in the company of their dog, cat, bird, fish or mouse? We get deeply attached to our furry, scaled and feathered companions.
As is our dog, so is the dog on the street. As is our birdie, so is the chicken at a butcher’s shop. As is our cat, so is the big cat struggling in her dwindling forest habitat. As is our fish looking bright-eyed at us, we have billions of bright-eyed fish in our ocean.
Today is October 2nd – Gandhi-ji’s (or as he was known to all – “Bapu”) birthday. A day in honour of Non-Violence or AHIMSA (अहिंसा)
Gandhi said something of great importance; more crucial to heed in times of the pandemic, climate change, protest movements and declining biodiversity.
How we treat vulnerable living beings speaks to society’s progress as a whole. When we help those who help themselves the least, we move everyone forward. AHIMSA is always in thought and in action.
Using our Bapu’s thoughts, let’s promise: “All living beings are entitled to my protection and care. I will watch my actions that hurt or harm innocent animals. I will put the effort into caring for community animals and, join or donate to organizations working to protect and care for species and natural habitats. Every being matters to me, my health and my habitat.”