New Delhi: In a remarkable demonstration of religious devotion and compassion for animals, members of the Jain community in Old Delhi undertook an extraordinary effort to save 124 goats from being sacrificed during Eid al-Adha (Bakrid). This initiative, led by 30-year-old chartered accountant Vivek Jain, involved raising Rs 15 lakh and covertly purchasing the goats from local markets.
A Courtyard of Hope
The Naya Jain Mandir, located about 500 meters from Jama Masjid in the Dharampur area, was transformed into a temporary sanctuary for the rescued goats. The temple’s courtyard, usually reserved for religious events and weddings, was now filled with goats and the sound of mantras meant to calm them.
“This is a powerful Jain mantra to bring peace and positivity. These goats are afraid because they think they have been gathered for slaughter. They don’t know we have given them a new lease of life,” Vivek Jain explained as he managed the bustling courtyard.
Community Effort and Excitement
The temple became a hub of activity as Jains and other visitors flocked to witness the ‘goat darshan’. People donated money for fodder, petted the goats, and shared the virtues of their religion. The rescue operation not only gained local attention but also went viral online, with the hashtag “Jain” trending on X (formerly Twitter) with over 21,000 posts.
“We are really proud of ourselves. The contribution by our community members from across the country has made it possible. We call it social welfare, and this is what our religion teaches us. This is a ‘historic moment’ for the Jain community of Chandni Chowk. This was our first time, and we will only go forward from here,” Vivek Jain said, as he guided visitors around the temple courtyard.
Undercover Operation
The rescue mission began with a phone call from their guru Sanjeev, who was distressed by the impending slaughter of goats for Eid. This led to the formation of a 25-member team on the evening of 15 June. The team posed as Muslims to blend into the goat markets and negotiate prices without being overcharged.
“We posed as their [Muslim] community members and asked for the price at which goats were sold. We also surveyed the goat mandis (markets),” said Chirag Jain, a 28-year-old member of the rescue team.
On 16 June, the team spread out in pairs across various markets in Old Delhi, dressed in kurtas to blend in. They visited markets around Jama Masjid, Meena Bazar, Matiya Mahal, and Chitli Qabar, conducting multiple rounds of tough bargaining. Eventually, they purchased the goats at an average price of Rs 10,000 each.
Temporary Sanctuary and Long-term Plans
Back at the temple, the courtyard was cleared to accommodate the rescued goats. Community members greeted the returning teams with joy, having successfully saved over 100 goats. They raised Rs 15 lakh from contributions across India, which was used to buy fodder and other necessities.
A message was circulated on WhatsApp and Facebook groups appealing for donations, “Please contribute to this noble cause so that we can save some animals from being slaughtered. We will send these goats to Jain-run cow shelters and bakrashalas [goat shelters].”
Future of the Rescued Goats
A Jain-run goat shelter in Baghpat was identified to take in the goats within two days. Manoj Jain, who runs the shelter, was preparing a dedicated enclosure for the new arrivals. His shelter currently houses 615 goats, all rescued from Eid celebrations across India. The rescued goats would undergo a 15-day isolation before mingling with others.
“Remember, these are all male [billy] goats, not females. It’s the male goats that get slaughtered during this festival. Our shelter has taken on the responsibility of caring for these goats until the end,” Manoj Jain explained.
Community Reactions
The Jain community’s efforts received a mix of reactions. Some Muslims in the area, like Mushtaq, were supportive. “It’s their religion, and if saving animals (like goats) is part of it, we don’t mind. Let everyone practise what brings them peace,” he said.
Conclusion
The rescue operation by the Jain community in Old Delhi not only saved 124 goats from slaughter but also highlighted their commitment to the principle of non-violence. This event has brought significant attention to their cause, inspiring many and showcasing the impact of community-driven initiatives.
