Dear readers, I appreciate your patience as I delve into the nuances of a recent journey, undertaken on the occasion of my birthday, to the picturesque village of Burja near Alwar in Rajasthan. Nestled within this rural landscape, the resort promised a retreat, yet it was during the journey itself that my companions and I were confronted with an unsettling reality.
While approaching the resort, a distressed dog, bearing a conspicuous wound on its neck, crossed our path, leaving us uncertain about the appropriate course of action. In an attempt to seek aid, I endeavoured to locate a nearby NGO online, but my efforts proved fruitless. Upon arriving at the resort, the façade presented an idyllic escape, typical of such retreats. However, my inclination for leisurely walks led me to explore the village, and it was here that the stark contrast unfolded.
The village, seemingly peaceful, revealed a heart-wrenching tableau – emaciated, apprehensive, pregnant dogs roamed in fear. Local residents, wielding sticks, forcibly chased them away, depriving them of even the basic search for sustenance. The condition of these animals was nothing short of atrocious, a stark departure from the Rajasthan I had traversed in my extensive travels encompassing Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Mt Abu.
The following morning, as I embarked on a more extensive walk, the discovery of lifeless dogs bound by some macabre tether unveiled a grim truth – people were intentionally causing harm. Overwhelmed by the distressing scenes, I approached the resort staff seeking an explanation, only to be met with feigned ignorance and a discernible lack of concern.
The return journey to Delhi brought forth an even more distressing episode. Observing a helpless calf attempting to feed from a deceased cow, our attention was abruptly diverted to two individuals callously dragging a lifeless or near-lifeless dog behind a scooter into a secluded farm road. Attempts to intervene were met with the menacing display of a weapon. In the interest of safety, we reluctantly withdrew, only to encounter further instances of lawlessness – goons triple riding on scooters, openly flaunting drugs without fear of consequence.
Reflecting on these disheartening events, it became evident that my experience had unveiled a facet of Rajasthan that belied the conventional narrative. The proximity of a temple, merely 200 meters from the resort, where devotional bhajans reverberated, sharply contrasted with the grim reality unfolding in its surroundings. It left me pondering the transformation of God in India – from a source of spiritual solace to a utilitarian tool – all while the plight of the nation’s weakest creatures remained largely ignored.
In this narrative, the political landscape of Rajasthan and the rise of the BJP gained newfound clarity. The juxtaposition of a temple echoing divine hymns with the harshness inflicted upon the vulnerable creatures underscored the paradox of contemporary India. The sanctity of life, seemingly celebrated in the devotional chants, was conspicuously absent when it came to the well-being of the animals.
This journey has led me to question the priorities that define our nation. It has sparked a realization that the powerful forces steering the course of our society may not be attuned to the compassion and empathy that form the bedrock of our cultural heritage. The visit to Rajasthan, which began as a celebration of life, ultimately left me grappling with a profound sense of disillusionment.
As I conclude this reflection, I am compelled to pose a poignant question to the custodians of power in India and Rajasthan: Is this the legacy that Sanatan Dharam, the ancient and enduring essence of our culture, imparts? Today, as I reflect upon my identity as an Indian, the celebratory tunes of Shiv ji songs in the car, juxtaposed against the harsh reality, evoke a deep sense of shame.
I request the Rajasthan government to shed light on the number of sterilizations and vaccinations undertaken in Alwar district, and elucidate the custodianship of these initiatives. Moreover, why does such blatant cruelty towards dogs persist, with individuals brandishing knives with impunity? It is a clarion call for compassion and accountability in a nation that cannot afford to overlook the welfare of its most vulnerable inhabitants.
