Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Nov 4: At a time when cattle slaughter has become an issue of nationwide debate, here's a family that has been rearing cattle and taking care of other animals as well.
The family of Zainulla Abidin, based in Uppinakote, Brahmavar, has been a symbol of peace and harmony when it comes to looking after animals. Right from childhood, it was Zainulla's kind-heartedness and empathy towards the speechless beings that led him to rescue injured birds and animals and leave them in their natural habitats. As a youngster, he had even rescued and tended a python that was injured on its hood, before letting it into the forest. When stray animals tresspassed into the family's premises, he would send them away without hurting them. This way, he won not only the respect of people around him, but also love from the animal kingdom.
Zainulla later started domesticating animals. Fifty years ago, when communities shared closer ties than they do now, the family never faced any problem in rearing cattle. Times have changed, but the family's love and affection for animals has won them deep respect from all.
Born in a poor family, Zainulla had gone to the Gulf in search of the proverbial greener pastures and on his return to India, bought agricultural land in which he invested all his savings. His children have also followed in their father's footsteps after completing education.
The family is into catering business also. Zainulla's elder son Mumshad has reared various birds and animals in the premises. One can see two dogs named Tiger and Sweetie, African parrot, love birds and fowls running around in the backyard.
Zainulla's second son Irshad who cooks dishes for catering initially bought two calves which could not even walk. Thanks to the care rendered by the family, the calves are now fully grown.
Zainulla's younger son Naushad is a pipeline engineer in a Norwegian company. He comes on leave once in three months and lends a helping hand to his brothers in farming. The family has adopted organic farming.
Indeed, in a world where animal cruelty is a major issue, the family has set an example for all.
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