Sunday 26 March 2017

Go for Free-Range

https://www.change.org/p/mcdonalds-kfc-go-for-free-range-birds

Many of us may not be aware - that the supply of meat and eggs at industry scales is done from huge factory farms. In the typical battery cages that are used in such chicken farms each bird gets the space equivalent to an A4 sheet of paper. That is where they spend their entire life. The diet is also largely uncontrolled, and typically consists of antibiotics and hormones.



The stress undergone by these birds cannot be explained in words. Definitely this pollutes the meat and eggs. And yes, the stress pollutant acts alongside the chemical diet that these chickens are force-fed.



When we consume the burgers and muffins at the popular fast food outlets around us, we often feel that the taste is incomparable. These outlets are very popular especially among the youngsters in India. I personally know of people who feel that something is missing in their life when they did not get to go to one of these popular restaurants for their favorite burger for sometime. But, do we realize, that places similar to the above farm is where this 'very tasty' food comes from..?????????




​​The long term damage that this food can do to the human body does not need explaining, I hope. Numerous researches done on broiler hens have established beyond doubt that hens rared in poultry farms suffer impact to their physiological functions at multiple levels, all caused by high concentrations of stress hormones in blood. Click here for one such article.

The Indian philosophy of 'karmic chain' makes a lot of sense in this context: where the stress suffered by the animals and birds invariably gets passed on to those of us who consume their meat and eggs.

Please note, this is not about vegetarianism or non-vegetarianism. It is about taking responsibility for what we knowingly or unknowingly encourage by our action or inaction. It is about doing our bit to make the world a better place. Every living being has to face death at some point. However the animals have the right to a decent life for whatever short span of time they live on the face of earth. None of us hold the right to make this period miserable. Especially under the guise of profit margins. Whether a vegetarian or a non vegetarian, we should definitely take the step and do our bit to end this nonsense.


Like you and me, the animals are the happiest when they are free and get to follow their natural behaviors like nesting, walking free under the sun, eat their natural food, and so on. Lets not deny them that! Its definitely not a big ask, but most certainly a step to a happier, healthier tomorrow.

Inline image 1


My earnest request to you is to join me in submitting the subject petition to the biggest players in the field - McDonalds and KFC - encouraging them to lead the way and source all their products only from cage-free and humanely raised chickens.

As you go through the petition text you will find that the 'cage-free' movement has been quickly spreading across the world and McDonalds and KFC have already committed to cage-free products in the United States during 2016. The lack of awareness and popular demand has lead to the rest of the world being left out and still consuming the products of the inhuman, blind and irresponsible money. Come on people.. Lets join hands and change that!

I have seen cases of many a change being brought about by the petitions floated in the website and I believe that we can get the corporate houses to listen if we are able to gather the required number of signatures. Lets target a 100,000 signatures at the earliest possible. The sooner the better!

You can help by sharing this information and/or the below petition link to ALL your contacts and friends; after signing of course. The intention is solely to generate awareness on the issue and force change for a better tomorrow.

https://www.change.org/p/mcdonalds-kfc-go-for-free-range-birds

[Born out of the disgust and anger felt when witnessing cases of inhuman handling of hens for meat consumption, this is a post that is close to my heart. Here I have attempted to look at things with pragmatism instead of emotion and have chosen a step that is much easier to implement compared to more ambitious and wider goals like 'stop all animal violence' or 'world go vegetarian'. A baby step, if you may. I sincerely hope that you are able to connect, appreciate the intention, and contribute to the action that is called for ]

pictures courtesy: Internet

Thursday 9 March 2017

Today I Crystallized Something Larger than Life

[An article written last year. Just realized that I never got around to publishing it. Better late than never! ]

The revelations that dawn on us as we progress in this journey called life - those are the items that enrich us as individuals. They add to our intelligence, and they shape us as good human beings. In Psychology it is referred as crystallized intelligence, which increases with age. I got richer in it by a few points today.

One of the elder grannies in our large family passed away today after being bedridden for a few years. The death was an expected shocker; but even so, I realized that the news brings with it a bout of emotions. It looks like no amount of preparation will do for this one worldly adversary called death. You have to go over that moment when you finally deal with the fact that she is gone!

One revelation that I had amidst the roller coaster was that.. when one passes away, its the little things they did for us that first come rushing to our minds. And more than the material things, it is the immaterial stuff that steals the scene. For instance when I think of the occasion where she gifted me a dress, it is her smile and the loving pat on the back that comes to my mind, and not how glittery or colorful or costly the dress was.

Also death has a way of crushing all vices. When confronted with death we realise that those do not matter, none of it ever mattered. Its the good deeds that we are going to miss.

I now question myself - where do I stand? Other than immediate family, do I take time to do the small nice things for others? The acts which linger on and create that positive ring when they think of me! Am I too busy living life to notice others or spare time for any of this?

Well, this was some meaningful time I spent with myself. And I think all of us ought to do this and give the matter some thought. One of the things that our elder generation taught us is that life is not all rush and no reflection. That is so not the way life works.

It is alright to be a little selfish for our family, to be possessive about what is ours. All our small vices will be forgiven... as long as we let love fill our heart for those around us, occasionally spare a moment of thought for them, and sometimes go the extra mile to support them when we realize they need a hug.

All of us are capable of infinite love. This is a manufacturer's secret. Only we need to realize that life is much more than our day-to-day strifes. Try to plan it well so that we leave time and energy for the things that really matter, to us and to others. Leave that golden mark in someone's heart today, to remember us by, when its finally time for us to move on!

From that timeless poem, Death the leveller.
Only the actions of the just
Smell sweet and blossom in their dust.