Given that this is a nation as culturally and spiritually affluent as India, animals have always occupied a revered position in our customs. Elephants are gods, cows are symbols of good fortune, and peacocks are symbols of grace and beauty. But the reverence with which we treat them in myths and rituals does not always translate into how they are treated in life.
As we make ourselves modern as a country, competing to create an economy and ecosystem that has a world presence, we also need to step back and think about how we treat our most fragile fellow dwellers, our animals. For years, hundreds of elephants, camels, and other animals have worked quietly in temples, fairs, and processions, being treated as signs of strength, patience, and chastity.
But behind these hallowed symbols are innocent creatures that feel pain, tiredness, fright, and happiness simultaneously. In the last ten years, animal activists, environmentalists, and both the central and state Governments have made a consistent attempt at conserving India's rich wildlife heritage.
The year 2024 saw the introduction of the National Wildlife Health Policy by the central government, acknowledging the very necessary connection between wildlife and humans. In addition to these institutional endeavors, some private individuals and organisations are also taking important strides to bring about substantial change, advocating for the welfare of wildlife by providing care, rehabilitation, and raising awareness.
Among them is Vantara, a world-class animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat, Jamnagar, envisioned by Anant Ambani. Rooted in the belief that every life deserves dignity, Vantara offers round-the-clock veterinary care, enrichment-focused enclosures, and holistic healing, setting a new benchmark for modern, value-driven conservation in India.
However, even the most compassionate efforts can face resistance. Judgments given by courts and carried out by welfare organizations such as Vantara are occasionally misconstrued to be culturally insensitive. Although the emotional connection of communities with temple animals cannot be negated, actual empathy is in prioritizing an animal's well-being above everything else.
A question we should think about is why initiatives taken in the interest of the voiceless sometimes meet resistance, particularly from those who hold power or think of themselves as guardians of tradition. Why shouldn't we all support care, compassion, and respect for animals?
India is at a place today where tradition and advance can walk together. Helping individuals who labor to safeguard and nurture animals is not an abandonment of culture; it's a manifestation of our greatest values. Real compassion is expressed through activity, not only conviction.
