‘Support Non-Violence for All’: PETA India Erects Dandi March-Inspired Animal Protection Plea Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti

Just in time for Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), which is also observed worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence, PETA India has erected sky-high messages in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Trivandrum inviting the public to help prevent violence against all living beings by pushing for stronger animal protection laws in our country. Evoking the historic Dandi March, the appeals feature a silhouette of Mahatma Gandhi leading a dog, cow, monkey, birds, and an elephant with the message, “Support Nonviolence for All — Strengthen Animal Protection Laws.” The campaign also features a QR code for the public to sign a petition, echoing Gandhi ji’s timeless call for ahimsa.

Located in Parikshit Nagar, Old Wadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380013.

Located on Mount Road, TVS Thousand Light Metro Signal, Near IBIS, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600006.

Located on the main Minto Road, opposite Civic Center (near MCD Headquarters), with traffic movement towards Ramleela Maidan/ Ajmeri Gate, 110002.

Located at JJ Flyover, opposite Manish Market, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400001.

Located opposite Secretariat, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala, 695001.

Located near NCC Ground, Gunrock Enclave, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003.

A Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics article reads, “Gandhiji taught respect for animals as well as humans, a non-exploitative relationship to the environment, the elimination of poverty, the limitation of personal wealth and possessions and nonviolence applied at all levels of relationships, be it man to man, man to animal, or man to environment.” And Mahatma Gandhi expressed, “To my mind the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being.”

Yet animals in India suffer because of weak and outdated protections. Dogs are poisoned, cows have been attacked with acid, many elephants live in chains, monkeys are captured from forests, birds are caged, and countless animals endure beatings, neglect, and other acts of violence. The maximum penalty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is still only ₹50 for a first offence– a paltry sum that fails to deter abusers.

PETA India’s Gandhi Jayanti appeals are part of its larger Let Jivdaya Guide Us campaign, which encourages everyone to honour the values of ahimsa, kindness and respect for life.