The Last Service

All Animals are singly born to serve greediest of the species - one who tries to claim all of others – we the human being. Gallons of milks the cow produces are consumed by us letting the calf go hungry, the mighty numbers of eggs a hen lays in her life finds themselves on the frying pan rather than hatching into chicken, the cat helps keep away the mice - that most naughty creature who spoils the clothes and grains, dogs bark whole night to earn a morsel in the morning – All of them in the dedicated and committed service of superior species. BUT, never are we satisfied of their services. When we even go to the extent of claiming what last they are left to offer us (their carcass at least of those palatable) agree with me to consider this as most heinous crime ever.

Dawala (an old ox) in Getena grew up to be the strongest and healthiest of the herd, given the lush green pasture available in the village, far away from the ill-effects of developments. The nutritious milk from his mother, the leafy ficus fodders and other palatable fresh grasses almost whole round the year in galore provided him enough to put on much health and weight.

Soon he came of an age when it is time for him to prove his master, by rendering the service what oxen are usually reared for. Given his health and strength, he never failed to grow up to the expectation of his master and for obvious reason; he became the favorite of the herd. He is pampered with, by his owner to provide the most promising draught power.

At the final daylight of him attaining the age of tender 3 years old, with his bones just grown old enough, he is driven to the yoke. He has never in his life known so much of the weight on his neck and instinctively tried escaping it. But, there is no letting go, now that it is really the time for him to do what he must do - resent or resist.

For last many years, he pulled heavy draught, helping tilt langdos of farmland. For many occasions, he was even borrowed by neighbours to plough their lands. The yields from the field fed the family and they existed harmoniously. Although, he turned out tired every evening, he was compensated with good quality feed and fodder. The hairs on his neck grew back in winter

Then came the time in his life, when after having faithfully served his master, he started growing old. The bones started getting weaker and the muscles on his neck lost in amount. The thigh bone started jutting out and his thick hide failed to conceal the ribs that chose to ever show up. It is time he retires but his master didn’t share the same perspective. His master has already designed an idea how to take advantage of his last service.

I met Dawala on his way to other village. He has regained his health but that means another last torture for him. With rope tucked tightly in his horns, he is being lead by a man with a big knife hanging by the waist and a nylon rope.

HE IS TO BE SLAUGHTERED TO SERVE THE FEAST FOR THE CHIMDRUP (celebration of completion of construction). What a Cruel Fate!!!