Former Union Minister and veteran animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi on Thursday said compassion should guide governance, journalism and everyday life while addressing an interactive session at the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC). She stressed that a nation’s true progress is reflected in how it treats those who cannot protect themselves.
“A country’s greatness is not measured by its economy but by how well it treats those who can’t save themselves,” she said.
Citing Emperor Ashoka’s compassion towards animals and children and Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa, she said history remembers leaders for their humanity rather than their power.
Urging women journalists to regularly highlight issues related to animal welfare and environmental degradation, Gandhi said, “Write at least one story every week on trees being cut or on animals.” She added that every individual should strive to leave the world “a little better or a little kinder.”
Responding to a question on investing in the younger generation, Gandhi said meaningful change begins with adults. “We should change the adults, and they can change the world,” she remarked, noting that children learn by example.
She highlighted efforts to establish Animal Welfare Boards in universities through UGC directives and spoke about her proposal to place “Be Kind to Animals” stickers on vehicles to promote awareness. Expressing concern over weak enforcement of animal welfare laws, Gandhi questioned the continued operation of pet shops despite the 2018 ban on the sale and purchase of animals through such outlets. She also spoke about the rights of pet owners in housing societies and raised concerns over the illegal pet trade.
On environmental conservation, Gandhi warned that unchecked development is causing irreversible ecological damage. Criticising the destruction of coral reefs for the ornamental fish trade, she said environmental protection and animal welfare are inseparable from sustainable development and require greater public participation. During the session, Gandhi also answered questions on balancing development with environmental conservation, wildlife protection, implementation of animal welfare laws, citizens’ responsibilities and the media’s role in creating awareness.
Concluding the session, she said compassion is not merely an emotion but a responsibility.
“Every great movement begins with a small movement,” she said, urging people to make kindness a part of everyday life.