Sarvoham and our Work: Bringing a Cultural Shift in our Perception of Animals
Sarvoham means the mutual harmony between humans and animals.
This harmony is already inherent in our true nature (because after all, we are all animals first), but capitalism and the modern lifestyle associated with it has made us forget its presence. Sarvoham dreams of a day where we recognize our natural bond with animals again; a day when humans and animals live in such close harmony and mutual sustainability that animals do not require rescuing from humans; day when organizations like Sarvoham are not needed anymore. And we are endeavouring to bring this change through our work and approach.
Kindness begets kindness!
So, every time we accept a rescue request, it is a statement of our firm belief that “we are there to help animals” (like many other kind people are). Every time our team reaches to rescue a distressed animal, people gather around in amazement to see our work, and get to know that “animal lives matter”. Every time the animal trusts us and lets us rescue him or treat him on the spot, the people present there witness “not all animals are harmful”. Every time we pick an animal, place him respectfully and carefully in our ambulance and bring him to our hospital, people come to realise “animals deserve care and respect”. Every time we drop an animal back after he has recovered, people witness “it is possible to help animals” (and it is only a phone call away). Every time we work to educate people in the kind and correct treatment of animals, it says “animals feel too and they don’t deserve the cruelty they usually get”. Every time kind people visit our shelter to meet our amazing animals, it says “animals deserve to be happy too”. And every time any generous person or organization decides to help us, it says “we are not alone in this”!
It is this organic, mutually sustaining cycle of love, care, compassion and help that makes organizations like Sarvoham going, and allows us to keep working for this cultural shift. Animals are our companions. This is their world too. The space, resources and respect we have decided to declare ours is equally theirs too. We are working towards a day when this will be a common knowledge and realization. And till that day comes, we’ll keep saving one animal at a time to make this world a kinder place for everyone!
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.
– Amelia Earhart