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plant protein in order to produce 1 pound of animal protein for human consumption. In USA one half of all the agriculture land in use is planted with feed crops, most of which are used to produce meat. A great deal of protein is wasted by feeding it to animals and then eating them, rather than using the plant food directly. It has also been said that if meat were dropped from the diets of US and a few other countries, everyone on earth could eat well. These facts are important from ecological balance and environmental planning viewpoint also, which cannot be and should not be missed by any Government.
82. Thus, the net observation of this Court in regard to unregulated slaughtering is that now neither the animals are killed for food nor eaten for food. Such killings and export of animals for killing and eating them for taste are both environmentally distructive practices, and environmentally destructive food habits, respectively. This apart, as admitted by meat industry itself, it is also in letter and spirit against our age old traditions and culture handed down from generations that pays respect to all forms of life and enjoin co-existence with nature. Strands of this composite cultural heritage are woven around the views of our cultural leaders in the time frame of history. India has been known for this value, which alone attracts numerous tourists and other curious people to this soul satisfying rich soil.
83.
Now, coming to cultural aspect in a brief way, our present Environment Minister Mr. Kamal Nath, in his address to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992 used the phrase VASUDHAIV KUTUMBAKAM which means, quite simply the world is one family. He said, "Our culture enjoins us to look at the whole of creation the world and all it contains living and non-living as a family in the widest sense, co-existing in mutual symbioses". This description nearly spells our cultural outlook to other living creatures who share earth with us. He further said, "The millenial civilisation of India is rooted in a tradition, which has consistently emphasised the need for harmony between man and nature".
84.
These principles of ours, in fact, carry message of environmental protection for ecological balance, which was more known to our ancients, though the world seems to be looking for it now, to meet the challenging crises, created by man itself. These principles are eternal in nature and cannot be wished away on any reasons. These simple truth continue ever emerging as guidance to human beings, whenever man faces crisis.
85. In fact, the same truth and principles have been expressed by different people at different times in different ways. The Rule of Law against violence to Nature in thought and deeds was only reiteration of truth of co-existence in Nature. The Lord Mahavir expressed the same truth by stating AHIMSA PARMODHARM. When applied to nature it will mean in simple terms Preserving the ecology or environment is the law for all civilisations. Same thing is said in the prayer in the scriptures by stating, "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina: Sarve Santu Niramaya." It wishes well for all. Vedic scriptures specifically state against killing of animals.
86.
What is Culture? Shri C. Rajagopalachari, stated culture as the sum total of the way of living built up by groups of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another. According to S. Abid Hussain, in his National Book Trust Publication, 'The National Culture of India - "India's national culture consists of common temperament and outlook which constitutes the Indian mind and the intellectual influence of various movements and cultures which have been incorporated harmoniously with the national mind." He says that from time immemorial agriculture has been the main occupation of the people in India, and it stressed the values of peace and constructive activity more than those of war of other destructive activity in action. In my view, large scale destruction of animals involving violence of unparallel kind going for long period so far does not represent our culture, but are mere abbereations in it by few. Shri C. Rajagopalachari again states that Meanness
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