Innocence & contemplation

After shifting to RT Nagar, I had an unforgettable experience. As I passed by the road near the TV tower, I was taken aback by the sight of numerous sheep and goats, tightly packed and displayed by the roadside. Usually, we come across vendors selling flowers, fruits, or other interesting commodities, but this time it was a different scene altogether.

Among the crowd, I noticed a few recently birthed lambs and kids, still finding their footing. It was heartwarming to see their mothers affectionately nuzzling them as if saying, "Ja Simran ja, tu bhi kurban ho ja." However, my amusement quickly turned to concern when I reached the corner of the road.

There stood a man struggling to guide a rather large goat, its horns curving inwards, and its stubbornness unmatched. With a rope tied around its neck, the man tried his best to coax the goat to move in the desired direction. It was a comical sight, watching him exerting himself while the goat seemed determined to go its own way.

Just a few steps ahead, I encountered another intriguing scene. A street performer sat on the footpath, holding a goat in his lap. Without any apparent reason, he playfully slapped the goat's face, causing it to turn its head in surprise. Witnessing these incidents back-to-back left me disheartened and nearly brought tears to my eyes.

Bangalore traffic is known for its relentless pace, barely allowing a moment's pause. Amidst this chaos, I witnessed a motorcyclist holding onto a lifeless goat. The rider showed no regard for basic courtesy, neglecting even the simple act of lifting the goat's head. The poor creature dangled from the bike, without complaint.

In another instance, a lady with her children approached, intending to purchase a goat. Unaware of the challenges that lay ahead, she tried to persuade the stubborn animal, treating the situation as a playful game of tug-of-war. Little did she know the difficulties she would face in maneuvering or transporting the goat.

Reflecting on these experiences and witnessing these events firsthand filled me with a sense of helplessness, wishing there was something more I could do.