On June 17, during the global Bakrid celebrations, a remarkable event took place in Chandni Chowk, Delhi. Vivek Jain, a 30-year-old chartered accountant, along with his dedicated team, managed to raise Rs 15 lakh to save 124 goats from slaughter. This initiative, reported by The Print, transformed the Naya Jain Mandir in Dharampur into a sanctuary for these animals.
Bakrid, or Eid-ul-Adha, traditionally involves the sacrifice of animals such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels. However, Vivek and his team sought to offer these goats a new lease on life. In the temple courtyard near Jama Masjid, amidst hundreds of goats, they played Jain mantras over a speaker to calm the animals. Vivek explained, “These goats are afraid because they think they have been gathered for slaughter. They don’t know we have given them a new lease on life.”
The temple became a bustling hub, reminiscent of goat markets seen during Bakrid. Many Jains from the area visited to see the goats, interact with them, and donate towards their care. The event, dubbed a ‘goat darshan,’ was described by participants as a significant enhancement of their religious virtues.
Vivek expressed pride in their collective effort, stating, “This is what our religion teaches us. This is a ‘historic moment’ for the Jain community of Chandni Chowk.”
The operation required meticulous planning and execution. A team of 25 Jain community members conducted surveys in areas where goats were sold, often disguising themselves to blend in. Chirag Jain, a member of the team, explained, “We posed as their [Muslim] community members and asked for the price at which goats were sold.”
Vivek described the poor conditions in which the goats were kept, noting that they were crammed and poorly handled. To avoid raising suspicions and facing inflated prices, the team dressed in kurta pajamas and altered their speech patterns.
After intense bargaining, the team purchased the goats at around Rs 10,000 each. The funds for this rescue mission came from Jain community members across various states, including Gujarat, Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Hyderabad. Any leftover funds were used to buy fodder for the goats.
The temple courtyard of Naya Jain Mandir became a temporary haven, with Jains from all over visiting to witness the rescued animals and participate in their care. This act of compassion and solidarity not only saved the lives of 124 goats but also reinforced the values of their faith. The goats, now safe from slaughter, symbolized a powerful act of mercy and kindness.
This initiative stands as a testament to the Jain community’s commitment to non-violence and compassion. It showcases how deeply ingrained these values are within their practices and highlights the lengths to which they are willing to go to uphold them. The rescue operation not only provided a sanctuary for the goats but also strengthened the community’s bonds and reaffirmed their shared beliefs.
The successful rescue operation during Bakrid has set a precedent for future acts of compassion, encouraging others to think about alternative ways to uphold traditions and values.
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