Goodbye Shambo!
Shambo the bull was finally executed by Welsh authorities on Thursday 26th July, after dozens of policemen had to force their way past protestors who were trying to protect the animal. He was eventually carried away and put down by lethal injection that same night. Shambo will go down as perhaps the most famous bull in history, with thousands of media outlets in dozens of countries covering the story about the battle for survival waged on his behalf.
August 20th, 2007 at 5:23 am
Some of you will find these two articles interesting:
http://satyameva-jayate.org/2007/05/18/sacred-bulls-divinity-and-development/
and also
http://satyameva-jayate.org/2007/07/30/if-muslims-revered-cattle/
August 20th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Views expressed by Vivekananda Centre make lot of sense.
August 20th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
I agree with Dilip Lakhani in the terms that we are living in this land and as a peacefull community we should obey the law of the land. If we started at protesting at anything and everything than there would be no difference between Us, the Hindus and Muslims. So, please let us only oppose the real issues and not make too much fuss of the poor sick animal, who is not suffering any more
August 20th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Religious Hindu cattle slaughtered by UK government officials…days later the same governments farming and agriculture economy is in possible ruins again due to Foot and Mouth disease found in cattle, anybody see a connection?
I live a few miles from Bocketts farm in Surrey and you should have seen the expression on the farmers faces on the local news, they’re liveihoods are at risk.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Anjli Patel wrote a letter in the August 2007 issue asking whats the fervour about Shamboo when thousands of cows are killed and eaten in this country everyday.
I think you misunderstand the Hindu community or you lack of knowledge of them and makes you write this sad letter. It’s understandable that some Hindus feel shame as we are mocked with the same questions from non-Hindus on forums and Newspapers.
These people have nothing better to do and see it as perfect opportunity to demean Hindus like you who so easily think the negative.
Hindus groups, those who care, have been voicing strong opinion against meat eating of any form. We have many vegetarian groups preaching the same. Its not as if this is the first time such opinions have been expressed. Even when the senseless slaughter of cows during the foot and mouth disease of last year took place, Hindu groups voiced their strong opinions. But as you know positive Hindu Voice is rarely heard in papers or the media.
The media like the Mail, The Express, BBC Asian Network in particular were egging on Hindus to take some form of violent actions during the last days of Shamboo. The papers made a mockery of the situation to make Hindus feel uncomfortable about their own religion. People like yourself who are ignorant of the whole situation, I do not blame for becoming excitable and have a go at other Hindus. Its what the media wanted and they succeeded in doing that.
Shamboo is not a special bull it was only made into a News item because it suited their publicity and paper selling agenda.
Last years ago another cow was put up for slaughter because it was infertile and hence unable to produce milk. It had no disease or anything wrong with it, except it was infertile and the Council in their wisdom wanted to put it down.
The cow was a Tilgate Athene at Tilgate Park in Crawley.
How many of you heard of this incident or even bothered to do anything about it then? (Source: Asian Voice Edition of 25th March 2006 Issue 46)
The British media were not interested in the story because it was not News worthy.
It was saved largely due to a campaign by one lady Miss Pandiya that a suitable home has been found in a Jain Sanctuary.
As to your other question
What good is it if Shambo was saved but all these other creatures continue to be treated so terribly?
WE don’t know why human instinct take over fro one person when we see millions around us are dying. Thousands of Madelins are missing in UK and the world, but because he plight is highlighted we feel sorry for her and do everything in our power to find her. Why this one girl when 100 others are missing.
Why do we collect money for one cancer patient highlighted in the TV when 1000s are dying? What makes someone more special then others?
No one knows.
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:15 pm
THE SHAMBO SAGA
By Swami Nirliptananda
He stood in majesty and innocence
In glory and in grace.
While like jackals and wolves
His human adversaries
For his flesh clamoured in haste.
The recent development of the Shambo saga
Reminded me of the past,
When a similar incident took place
About two thousand years and more. Shambo the temple bull
It was about the “Sacrificial Lamb”
Against whom charges were laid.
With all intent to remove him
For which money was paid.
Groups of men demanded his death,
innocent as he was.
One authority washed its hands off it,
As was forbidden by the law.
Other men demanded his flesh
Appealed to a higher law.
Some betrayed and others protest
But poor Shambo was laid to rest
Those who loved and cared for him
Knew only too well,
That man made laws are full of flaws
Operated by imperfect men as well
Built a tower in his memory
Proclaiming the injustice and iniquity
So that posterity may not again
Commit such offence against humanity
In ancient times, so we are told
Vulture Jatayu saw the plight
Of helpless Sita carried away.
In courageous battle met his death,
Him we remember to this day.
Dharma teaches us to protect
The innocent, weak and vulnerable,
Not to destroy other creatures
Depending on us for security.
As Rama commended his Soul to Heaven
The brave Jatayu lay in peace.
May He graciously remember Shambo,
The victim of man’s iniquity.