Pune : To mark the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Pune Animal Liberation organised a 17-kilometre Satyagraha March in Pune to promote animal rights, non-violence and environmental conservation. More than 120 young people, conscious citizens and animal lovers participated in the march. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about cruelty to animals, highlight the conditions faced by animals in the dairy industry and promote plant-based food as an alternative.
The march began at Gandhi Bhavan in Kothrud and passed through Karve Statue, Deccan, Fergusson College Road, Jangali Maharaj Road, Pune Municipal Corporation headquarters and the District Collector’s Office before concluding at the historic Aga Khan Palace in Yerawada. Dressed in white, the participants marched peacefully and drew the attention of citizens along the route.
During the march, street chalk art depicting animal suffering, the realities of the dairy industry and environmental degradation was created at various locations. Volunteers also distributed educational leaflets and interacted with students, professionals and citizens to spread awareness.
The organisers highlighted the constitutional duty under Article 51A(g) to show compassion towards all living creatures and emphasised the need for greater public awareness about animal rights. They also spoke about conditions in modern animal farming and the dairy industry while presenting plant-based food as an alternative.
Memoranda Submitted to Authorities
During the march, memoranda containing various demands were submitted to the District Collector’s Office and Pune Municipal Corporation. The demands included strict implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, activation of the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), promotion of plant-based food through government procurement, and action against unhygienic and illegal meat-selling establishments.
The organisers also demanded that educational institutions and commercial establishments make plant-based food options available in their canteens. They further called for the use of digital software as an alternative to animal dissection in science laboratories.
Animal rights activists said that sensitivity towards animals should not remain limited to individual dietary choices but should also be reflected in social and administrative policies. They also stated that animal rights, environmental protection and human health are interconnected issues.
The Satyagraha March concluded at Aga Khan Palace with floral tributes being offered at the memorials of Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, followed by a collective pledge of non-violence.