Mumbai: While they say humanity is vanishing from this world, the virtuous act of members residing at Pooja cooperative housing society of Sector-14 Vashi, proves that there is still some compassion left.
Within the concrete jungles there still exists sparingly seen emotion of non-materialistic care and concern for stray animals.
Inhabitants of the Vashi residential block exhibited glimpses of the special bond, humankind has with animals. A stray male cat that had made the society its home for the last six months was given a spiritualistic farewell by the residents following its demise on Sunday.
Mainly occupied by Gujarati families, society members recited Navkar Mantra and Logassa Stotra repeatedly even as they witnessed their favourite cat ‘John’ die.
The cat enjoyed a special place within the Doshi household situated on the first floor of the building. From being served food at regular intervals to having free access to sleep within their bedroom, the cat had become a part of the family.
“It’s hard to believe that he is no more. Inspite of being a stray he enjoyed a special place in this building. We used to feed him chapatis, milk and even Gujarati delicacies. He had the freedom to even go and sleep in our bedroom,” said Jharna Doshi, a third-year BMS student.
The cat was attacked by four dogs on Sunday that led to its back getting paralysed and eventually leading to death.
The non-availability of a veterinarian and the absolute trauma caused by the attack is being attributed to the death of the cat. In keeping with the deathbed tradition practised among Gujaratis, the occupants jointly recited sacred hymns to the cat. “Being a Sunday we couldn’t get timely medical aid.
Even though elementary treatment was rendered by the municipal centre, it wasn’t of much use. By evening it began gasping for air, so we recited Navkar Mantra and Logassa Stotra believed to aid smooth transition of the soul to heaven,” said another resident Divya Kotak.
After the death of the cat the residents jointly took the body to the dog centre for conducting final rites.
–Agencies–