Where is the love?

Whatever happened to the fairness in equality?

Instead in spreading love we spreading animosity

Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity

That’s the reason why sometimes I’m feelin’ under

That’s the reason why sometimes I’m feelin’ down

There’s no wonder why sometimes I’m feelin’ under

Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found

Father, Father, Father help us

Send some guidance from above

‘Cause people got me, got me questionin’

Where is the love?

Where is the love?

—Black Eyed Peas

A sunny Saturday afternoon, out in New Market- the sights, the sounds, it’s nothing short of chaos. The hawkers selling their wares, shoppers bargaining to find the best deal, the children tugging at their parents to buy them something, young people with hopes and aspirations in their eyes walking together taking on the challenges of life- it was another day in paradise.

Among the hustle bustle of a metropolitan city, lay a pair of eyes, crying in silence — crying for help, as the world passed by. As I walked past the car park in front of the Esplanade metro station (the one nearest to Metro cinema), there was only one car spot left empty. The rest were all full, and there were many cars waiting in line to park, but no one would touch that spot.

I thought to myself- that is weird. Its only when I crossed the place did I realize that the only reason why no one would park there was because an Indian dog lay there, bleeding in silence. Not a whimper, not a squeal, not a yell, not a howl. Such was the pain that it was painful to even cry. And what would the world do to help- NOTHING! They just walked by, seeing the “sight”. I was horrified. I was pained and hurt.

I would never ever forget those eyes. In its look, it said it all- HELP ME PLEASE! She laid there, blood all around. I was on my way to meet my brother and cousin sister. I met them and we started making calls. I called many of my friends (the names I will mention later in the post), and all of them were very helpful.

Finally in another 45 minutes when I visited the spot again, the dog was gone, the blood was washed away. I was relieved, I was sure that one of the calls that my friends had made, had worked. I pray that the dog get well soon.

I’d like to thank the following people/organizations

• People For Animals
• Rashmi Sharda
• Sohini Sarkar
• Mihika Chaudhuri
• Anindita Gupta
• Rohan Noronha
• Sonia Noronha

By nature, I’d like to believe that I am an optimist. It was the absence of awareness among the people at that point of time, which led to the dog lying there for so long, without help. No one knew what needed to be done- even I had no idea. It was only after calling my friends did I get a few numbers.

So as a first step, let’s create a list of people and organizations that will come forward in the time of need.

Any ideas anyone?

This is a guest post by Avik Noronha. Avik is a prolific writer and animal lover. His presence on the spot this Sunday probably saved a life. You can visit Avik’s blog at http://www.avikspeaks.blogspot.com.