We were thrilled when Indic International School invited us for another session, this time with their 2nd and 3rd graders to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. What made this opportunity even more special was that the school entrusted us to choose our o
wn topic for the discussion—a gesture that marked the beginning of a powerful transformation.
In our second session, we chose to focus on the issue of animal rides in India, specifically addressing the realities behind elephant, camel, and horse rides. The children were deeply moved by the truth they learned and, by the end of the session, pledged never to ride an animal again.
After the session, the school’s principal, despite her busy schedule, kindly took the time to sit down with us. During our conversation, she revealed that the school was planning an upcoming event called Indi Bazar, where children would sell vegetables, handmade products, and games to parents. Initially, the event was to feature animal rides. However, after our discussion, the principal listened to our concerns and passed them on to the school’s compassionate director.
In a beautiful gesture, the director not only agreed to cancel the animal rides but also suggested something even more impactful. She reached out to us directly and proposed that we bring in animals from shelters so the children could spend time with them instead, fostering compassion and allowing the kids to overcome any fear they might have of animals.
On the day of the event, the children were initially hesitant. But as they spent time with the animals—two playful puppies, two three-legged dogs, a baby goat, and an adult goat—their reservations melted away. Soon, the kids were running around, feeding, playing, and bonding with these animals. Some students even suggested that such interactions should happen every month, demonstrating how quickly they embraced the idea.
The event was a tremendous success. Children who had been scared at first were soon full of joy and curiosity, creating lasting memories with these animals. More importantly, this experience laid the foundation for a deeper sense of compassion, which will stay with them for years to come.
We are incredibly grateful for the principal and the director’s leadership. Their willingness to embrace change and put compassion at the forefront of their decisions ensured a more ethical and meaningful experience for the children. As long as we have compassionate leaders in education, we can nurture a kinder generation—one that carries forward these lessons and creates a ripple effect for a more compassionate world.
We are proud to have played a small part in this journey, and we will continue to strive for a better world—for Animals, Nature, and People.