The Elephant - Pineapple Tragic Incident

Almost all of us have been following the sad and heinous act of humans where a pregnant elephant died (in fact was killed) after she was served a pineapple stuffed with crackers. The explosion (triggered by the lunatics involved) killed her and the baby elephant in her stomach. It is a murder of two lives (if humans consider animals' lives of any significance and worth discussion). This blog tries to cover some aspects arising from this cruel incident committed by "powerful and insensitive humans". 

One of the important aspects is of course "animal rights". Right to Life (Article 21) guarantees Indian citizens a life with dignity. Similarly, Human Rights too cover such natural rights for human inhabitants all across the world. But do we extend such inalienable rights to animals? If yes, as a society how should we see this tragic incident? Does it reflect erosion of human values and respect for fellow living beings including birds, animals etc.? Another aspect the blog tries to cover is should all residents of Kerala be blamed for this heinous act. Wouldn't this be an example of stereotyping (generalisation/oversimplified explanation)?

Animal right activists and organisations like PETA have been vocal about adoption of stricter laws against wildlife crimes. India too realised this in 1970's-80's and brought landmark legislations and constitutional amendments. Today even when we have laws (Wildlife Protection Act 1972), institutions (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) etc., we witness thousands of wildlife crimes (poaching) and deaths of animals due to humans and not natural causes like electrocution etc. This elephant killing is one of them that validates the poor implementation of wildlife laws and prosecutions under them. Unless deterrence value (fear of jail and hefty fines) is established in the minds of such lunatic people, these incidents might continue with different animals like elephants, tigers, cows (no religious aspect intended) etc. 

A related aspect to killing animals and birds also brings to the fore a topic of great interest. If the mighty elephants and tigers are killed by humans, they become more highlighted as compared to small and petty animals/birds (fishes/goats/hens/duck etc.). If this is the case, animals too have been categorised into superior and inferior breeds based on their size, value, power etc., similar to that in humans. Vegetarianism and moreover the post-modern "Vegan" food revolution is based on the pillars of animal rights and human health (more prominence). If it was the former that drove these concepts, humans might have gained understanding and sensitivity towards animals by now. But as it is due to vested  interest of "selfish humans" who have realised through health researchers that life might be more prolonged and healthy by adopting "Vegan lifestyle".  

Extending the selfish narrative, more deeper and core aspect related wildlife crimes in the very first place is "human domination on earth". This requires superior humans to kill/destroy/harm other inhabitants (weak/black humans and other natural elements like flora, fauna etc.). In this bid to dominate and emerge as the most powerful, humans have exceeded all limits, as evident from this heinous and pathetic act of people. Something that drives them to do so is also "violence". As per several studies, humans have inherent interest in violence and aggression (Freud, Miller etc). When we get involved in such violent acts, we cross the bar and commit such acts as occurred in Kerala.

Now this brings to the other important aspect highlighted by people on social media. Many Facebook and Twitter posts have attributed this incident to "Lack of Common Sense and Moral values" in Kerala residents despite better educational parameters. Kerala has been a model state for several reasons be it Kerala Covid model, Kudumshree (Women SHGs), highest literacy rate, population control, remittance earner, Left government etc. Now when the whole nation is generalising (stereotyping) Kerala and its residents due to this tragic and heinous act, it also shows how insensitive and prejudiced humans are. The state has been in news for several good and bad reasons in recent times. But through these posts, many a people are trying to highlight this criminal act with political intent and interest. This is highly insensitive, immature and pathetic of us. Undoubtedly the state government should find the lunatics and frame serious charges against them, no one should mix religion/politics/ideology with this incident of insensitive humanity.

Finally, something that is most satisfying in recent days is the unbelievable support to the pregnant elephant even after she can not witness people's love for her and fellow animals. More than 10 lakh people have supported thousands of petitions across the world and are voicing their concerns against brutality of humans towards animals. But we are hypocrites. We would sign petitions from one hand, and relish non-vegetarian delicacies with another. In fact I am one of such hypocrites who can not witness hens being cut but find chicken to be tasty food. On the one hand, I have made up my mind to quit non-veg, I haven't done till now. But still I am voicing my concerns against animal rights, shows the element of hypocrisy in me. Billions of such hypocrites inhabit our planet and out of them fall the category of lunatic perpetrators who might indulge in these heinous crimes. I am sure many of us possess the "human love for fellow beings - humans, birds and animals" and would never commit such crimes. Let's pledge to spread this message and ensure peaceful co-existence of all beings on Earth!