How can one afford humanity without money?

Humanity’s reach extends far beyond the confines of our own species, encompassing the entire animal kingdom. This extension is rooted in our shared planet and the intricate web of life that connects us all. It’s a recognition that animals, like us, can experience pain, pleasure, and a range of emotions. In our pursuit of empathy and compassion, we strive to protect and preserve the well-being of animals, acknowledging that their existence holds intrinsic value. Whether it’s in our efforts to conserve endangered species, provide humane treatment for livestock, or rescue and care for abandoned pets, we demonstrate that our humanity is not confined to humans alone. It’s a broader commitment to the interconnectedness of life and a testament to our capacity for kindness, stewardship, and moral responsibility toward the diverse creatures that share this planet with us.

During my extensive travels across India, I’ve encountered numerous admirable organizations dedicated to social work, but one exceptional discovery awaited me in the quiet village of Mahdavpur, Gujarat, home to around 10,000 residents. Here, I had the privilege of meeting Vijay, a remarkable individual whose organization operates without the reliance on external funding. Vijay’s journey is particularly inspiring, given his humble origins with limited access to education and financial resources. Against all odds, he single-handedly manages an animal shelter, offering rescue, rehabilitation, and care for various creatures, including cows, dogs, monkeys, peacocks, and a diverse array of birds that fall ill within the village. What struck me most was Vijay’s sheer determination to run this organization, despite having no prior knowledge of how to officially register it or raise funds. He even acquired veterinary skills to better serve these animals. His motivations are purely altruistic, devoid of any self-interest. Conversing with Vijay, I learned that genuine compassion and humble intentions can transcend even the most formidable economic constraints.

The start

The inception of the animal rescue organization can be traced back to a chance encounter between Vijay Bhai and a social worker from Radhe Krishna Gaushala in Keshod. This serendipitous meeting ignited Vijay Bhai’s passion for animal welfare. Roughly a decade ago, when one of the cows suffered a leg infection, Vijay Bhai learned from the social worker that custard apple juice had healing properties, and indeed, it worked miraculously. This event marked the beginning of his journey in animal care, where he diligently absorbed knowledge from Radhe Krishna Gaushala on treating animals, a practice he continues to this day.

Vijay Bhai’s mission found a home in the Vachraj Mandir, nestled within Khed village of Madhavpur. Remarkably, the community recognized his noble work and offered unwavering support, with many individuals eventually becoming part of the organization now known as Vachraj Gau Seva. While this compassionate team operates without formal registration, their impact remains substantial. Additionally, a couple of local children run a YouTube channel on Vijay Bhai’s behalf, shedding light on his remarkable dedication to animal welfare.

Youtube link: https://youtube.com/@vachhraj1?si=bZ26x6EbQyroiD7G

Qualities of the man who runs the show

While toiling away in the illegal stone-cutting industry as a laborer, Vijay Bhai’s commitment to the animal rescue mission has been unwavering since 2013. His selfless dedication has not only been an inspiration but has also attracted the support of over 50 individuals who, despite their limited means, contribute what they can to the cause. Remarkably, Vijay Bhai is the sole individual who has devoted his entire life to this mission. Despite losing his job six months ago due to the closure of the stone-cutting business, he did not hesitate to transition into full-time animal rescue work. Without expecting any financial gain, he invests all his time and effort into this noble endeavor. Over the years, he has honed his skills in animal care, even administering injections and acquiring the necessary tools to aid injured animals. Vijay Bhai’s transformation into an expert animal caregiver is a testament to his extraordinary commitment.

Vijay Bhai recounted his remarkable journey, revealing that he used to labor in the stone-cutting industry at night and dedicate his days to animal rescue. Today, he wholeheartedly devotes all his time to this noble cause, responding to 5 to 10 rescue calls daily within a 10 to 15 km radius of Mahdavpur.

Incredibly, Vijay Bhai doesn’t accept money for his tireless efforts, viewing it as his duty and believing that taking payment wouldn’t be just. When individuals insist on compensating him, he kindly directs them to deposit the funds at Gurukrupa Medical Center, where many of the rescued animals receive treatment.

Vijay Bhai’s life story unfolds against a backdrop of extreme poverty and limited education. He spoke Hindi with hesitation and could only provide a thumbprint, not a signature. Despite his job loss, he appeared content, finding solace in the company of the animals he cared for. He consistently attributed his abilities to the will of God. Intrigued by his character, I probed deeper, seeking insights into the psychology of such an extraordinary individual.

Justifications and Validations

Vijay Bhai humbly credited all his actions to the divine grace of God. His sole reason for dedicating his life to animal service was the profound opportunity he felt God had bestowed upon him. He expressed deep gratitude for this unique calling, emphasizing that he didn’t see his work as a service to others but rather as carrying out the will of God. To him, every action was simply an expression of God’s word.

Complaints

While Vijay Bhai didn’t explicitly voice these concerns, I noticed them in his demeanor as he discussed his organization. He expressed his frustration that very few individuals, including the village sarpanch and those with financial means, step forward to support their cause. In 2022, a lump virus afflicted 65 cows in the village, resulting in significant expenses amounting to 45,000 rupees for hospitalization and rehabilitation. Thankfully, with divine intervention, he and his team managed to care for the cows. Vijay Bhai emphasized that with financial aid or contributions in the form of necessary equipment and services, their organization could operate far more effectively.

Vijay Bhai also shared that some members of the veterinary hospital staff disapprove of his self-administration of injections and animal treatment. This disapproval has at times deterred him from seeking their assistance and learning from them, presenting a challenge in his quest to improve his skills.

Materialism

When I inquired about what he would do if he suddenly received a substantial sum of money, Vijay Bhai’s response was both humble and telling; he asserted that he would persist in his current mission, albeit on a grander scale.

Vijay’s down-to-earth demeanor was unmistakable. He had no expectations of receiving anything from me. Even when I offered a small amount of money, he politely declined, reiterating that he had never accepted any financial assistance. Instead, he suggested that if I wished to contribute, I could deposit the amount at the hospital, where it would directly offset the costs of treating animals.

As I prepared to depart, I asked Vijay if he had a message for the people of our nation. In his unassuming manner, he simply shrugged and confessed his lack of eloquence, implying he wasn’t sure what to say. It was the simplicity and unwavering dedication of this remarkable individual that left a lasting impression on me. To explore another organization dedicated to the welfare of animals, you can refer to the article linked here.