The 21 day lockdown announced by PM Modi has certainly brought a lot of anxiety, tension, worry and cause for concern. While we all agree it’s for the best, the immediate reaction had been of shock, right?For me, the first and foremost concern was for the homeless – humans as well as animals! While there are many NGOs and trusts working round the clock to provide food for the homeless people, there are very few sources of food and water for the animals. To ensure that the animals do not die of starvation and dehydration, let us all leave out water bowls outside our home/society gates. Let us leave out some food for the cows, dogs and birds.
Senior BJP leader Ms Maneka Gandhi has urged the police and resident welfare association to let people feed animals during the lockdown enforced in the wake of the spread of Coronavirus.
Here’s what she said in an official statement: “Street dogs, cows and birds can neither get nor give the corona virus to humans. However in the event of a lockdown, if they are not fed, many will die creating another kind of serious problem.”
Now is the time to implement the popular saying: Pehli roti gaay ki, aakhri roti kutte ki (roughly translated as: the first bread for the cow and the last for the dog)

Author:
Chitra Unnithan, Assistant Professor, Unitedworld School of Liberal Arts and Mass Communication (USLM)

Disclaimer: The opinions / views expressed in this article are solely of the author in his / her individual capacity. They do not purport to reflect the opinions and/or views of the College and/or University or its members.