Sarnath, UP, India, 16 January 2009 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama began a 7-day teaching in Sarnath on Shantideva's A Guide To the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (chodjug) & Kamalashila's The Middling Stages of Meditation (gomrim barpa) near the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies on January 8 2009. Approximately 20,000 people attended the teachings, including 1100 foreigners.
Tibetan Volunteers for Animals (TVA) displayed an 8 day exhibition during the teachings aimed at highlighting the plight of animals who suffer everyday at the hands of human beings - for food, clothing and entertainment. Huge posters on various subjects like Vegetarianism, Leather, Honey, Silk, Fur and Rabies were displayed and explained to the people by TVA Volunteers. Video footages taken inside slaughter houses were shown which attracted the attention of many.
During the teachings when the streets were empty, TVA volunteers walked around to find any sick and injured animals so they can be treated. This time 18 stray dogs were treated most of whom had scabies or manges. TVA runs an animal welfare program called We CARE where in Anti-Rabies and Animal treatment programs are done. In March end (2009), TVA in Partnership with Vets Beyond Borders and Bridgette Bardot Foundation, will be doing its first Animal Birth Control Program in Sera Monastery, Bylakuppe South India. For details Click here
In an effort to make communities Rabies-Free through TVA's We CARE program, TVA organises Anti-Rabies programs (see the News Section of our website) and also educates people about rabies through interactions and distribution of free posters and leaflets on Rabies. This time a total of 8,000 leaflets, 1000 posters and 1000 stickers were distributed in Sarnath. The leaflets were mainly on TVA's Vegetarian Campaign, Anti-Silk Campaign and on Rabies.
One of the main aims of such exhibitions has always been to save the animals at the particular places because during any kind of mass gathering, a huge number of animals are killed to suffice the demand of meat for food. Despite many appeals and pleas from Department of Religion (TGIE) and TVA, many still consume meat during such Religious gathering. It was very disheartening to learn that there was not a single Vegetarian Restaurant in Sarnath where the 'Wheel of the Dharma' was set in motion by Lord Buddha.
Despite all the odds, TVA is determined to speak for these voiceless beings and make a difference in the lives suffering animals. Time and resources are always against us hence we appeal to everyone to consider making a donation. Your financial help will help us bring joy and peace to millions of animals suffering worldwide.
Tibetan Volunteers for Animals (TVA) is a registered non-government and a non-profit organization run by a group of young Tibetan activists determined to make a difference. Please visit our website for more information. www.semchen.org
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