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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Can compassion bridge the gap between humans and animals?
(UPSC Ethics Simplified draws attention to topics related to applied ethics, especially those making headlines. Recently, UPSC has been focusing on contemporary issues and posing ethical questions to candidates. In the past, we have examined pollution, war, sports, finance, international relations, bureaucracy, the Prada-Kolhapuri chappals controversy, the work-life balance debate and judiciary through the lens of ethics. Today, Nanditesh Nilay, who writes fortnightly for UPSC Essentials, addresses another pressing issue — the Prada-Kolhapuri chappals controversy.) In a significant development, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its interim order on managing the stray dog population in the National Capital Region (NCR). The court's move follows close on the heels of another bench's suo motu proceedings, which directed the relocation of stray dogs from public streets to designated shelters. The directive has sparked protests, particularly from dog lovers and animal welfare groups. Where is this heading? Only time will tell. But beyond the legal and logistical debates, a deeper question remains: What does true compassion look like? Today, let's set aside theory and legal jargon — and instead, experience compassion as a lived emotion, through the power of a story. 'Why are you running on the wrong side of the road?' Kiran Kumar called out. Mangat, out of breath, suddenly stopped. 'My calf has been missing since yesterday,' he said. 'I've been searching for him all night, going here and there.' Kiran nodded, surprised. 'That's strange — I am also looking for someone. My puppy Simsim ran out the front gate this morning and disappeared.' He paused, then asked, 'What's the name of your calf?' Mangat hesitated, unsure. But then he said quietly, 'Sir, you must have heard me calling him. I've been shouting his name again and again. My calf is very innocent. His name is Sangat.' The two parted ways, each walking the same road but with different hopes in their hearts. A while later, Kiran's phone rang. It was Mangat again. 'Sir, there's a small white dog outside a colony gate. I've picked him up. What should I do?' Kiran's heart skipped a beat. 'Check his teeth! One of them is yellow, the rest are white. Or maybe his throat sounds hoarse. Keep him close and don't let him go, Mangat. Please keep talking to me.' Mangat tried to look, but the puppy was wriggling, restless. Trying to force his mouth open felt dangerous. Desperate, Mangat even barked like a puppy. Nothing worked. 'Simsim? Speak, Simsim! Kiran sir is worried for you!' he said softly. 'But you're acting stubborn. And now—oh no—why are you peeing here?' The call was still on. 'He has a soft heart, Mangat,' Kiran said. 'If he smiles, you'll see that yellow tooth. I'm almost there.' Mangat had an idea. Maybe the pup was hungry. He took out some biscuits and offered them. Simsim wagged his tail, ate a few, and finally—smiled. A small, golden tooth shone. 'Sir! I see it. His tooth! It's shining, a little golden too!' Kiran sighed in relief and ran faster. But suddenly, someone else was running behind him. He turned—and was stunned. 'Mangat! I've found Sangat!' he said. 'He's standing with me. Every time I run, he tries to follow. But his left leg is hurt. I can't let him run.' 'Sir, he is weak and gentle. Please take care of him. I'm bringing Simsim to you,' Mangat replied. But as he crossed the road, Mangat slipped. He fell hard, and Simsim jumped out of his arms. The cold winter morning made the pain worse. But Simsim didn't run away. He left the biscuits and returned to Mangat's side, licking his hand, sitting close. Kiran was still on the phone. 'What now, Mangat? I can't leave Sangat.' Both stood still, torn. Simsim and Sangat didn't understand the call. But both understood one thing—they were safe, and they were not alone. Half an hour later, Mangat was able to walk again. Simsim stayed close, careful, walking slowly by his side. On the other side, Kiran gently cleaned Sangat's wound with his handkerchief. It was so soothing that Sangat sat down in peace. Finally, Mangat reached. The moment he saw Sangat, he forgot his pain and ran. Sangat stood too, and they hugged—not as man and animal, but as two souls finding each other. Simsim nuzzled against Kiran's chest, listening to his heartbeat. Then something unexpected happened. Simsim jumped out of Kiran's arms and ran toward Mangat. And Sangat, who had refused to move, stayed by Kiran's side. Mangat became emotional. 'Go back, Simsim. Don't follow me. I will cry.' But Simsim circled Mangat's feet lovingly. Sangat, limping slightly, tried to show Kiran that he was strong enough to walk. Kiran laughed through his tears and ran a little. Sangat followed, delighted. The sun began to shine, casting golden light on the road—and on four beings who had just shared something powerful. 'Glad to meet you, Mangat. I will never forget you,' Kiran Kumar said. Simsim looked back at Mangat and flashed his golden tooth again. Sangat stood proudly beside Kiran. For the first time, it didn't matter who was a man and who was an animal. They stood as a family. Compassion had broken through all barriers. Be prepared to have your ethics tested — especially when comparing two simultaneous events through the lens of compassion. Recently, many lives were lost in the Uttarakhand landslide. But did cities like Delhi come together in empathy? Do we protest when one human hurts another? Do we cry out when stray dogs attack a child on the street? Why is compassion not a social behavior? When an animal stares, it may attack. But when a human stares, the attack has already begun. So, isn't it time we reclaim compassion—not as a rare virtue, but as a defining trait of our humanity? Loving animals is human. But loving people, especially the elderly, the poor, and the vulnerable, is human too. Do we show the same unity and pain for people that Simsim showed for Mangat, or Sangat showed for Kiran? These are questions worth asking. Because compassion should never be selective. In 'The Power of Compassion', the Dalai Lama defines compassion as 'an openness to the suffering of others with a commitment to relieve it.' In other words, compassion isn't just about recognizing pain—it's about being moved to act. But compassion goes beyond just feeling for another person. It extends to any being or entity around us. As scholar Jason Kanov explains, compassion has three key components: noticing, feeling, and responding. British clinical psychologist Paul Gilbert further breaks it down into six core attributes: sensitivity, sympathy, empathy, motivation or caring, distress tolerance, and non-judgment. Importantly, psychologists emphasize that compassion isn't limited to those close to us — it can, and should, extend to strangers. Ethicists have long echoed this view. Simsim, Sangat, and people in Uttarakhand — all needed care, all deserved kindness. And that is what the world needs more of: not just rules and judgments—but real, shared compassion, for all living beings. But in the noise of modern life, one question remains: How aware are we — truly — of compassion as a human responsibility? The story of Mangat and Kiran Kumar revolves around two individuals searching for their lost animals. The story highlights that both men are faced with many challenges — emotional, physical and ethical. In the process, compassion, responsibility, and human-animal relationships appear dominantly throughout the story. On the other hand, recent news like the Supreme Court's directive on relocating stray dogs and the landslides in hilly part of the country leads us to ponder about selective compassion in times we live. In this context: (a) What does the story convey about compassion as a ethical value? (b) When it comes to public policy, how can balance between compassion for animals and human safety and welfare be ensured? (c) How should a civil servant ensure that compassion plays an important role in decision-making during crises? (The writer is the author of 'Being Good', 'Aaiye, Insaan Banaen', 'Kyon' and 'Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness'. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified (concepts and caselets) fortnightly.) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on UPSC section of The Indian Express on Instagram and X. For your queries and suggestions write at
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
"Design Belongs to India": Piyush Goyal's Bold Claim On Prada-Kolhapuri row
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has reacted to the recent Prada-Kolhapuri chappal controversy, asserting that India will now receive due global credit for its iconic cultural products like the Kolhapuri chappals. Highlighting the UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Goyal said the government is taking steps to protect GI-tagged Indian products from misuse abroad. He revealed the Kolhapuri chappal has an estimated international business potential of ₹8,000–10,000 crore and is gaining attention from top global brands. The remarks come after Prada was served a ₹500 crore notice for allegedly infringing GI rights, a charge the brand denied.#piyushgoyal #kolhapurichappal #pradacontroversy #indiaukfta #giproducts #indianheritage #traditionmeetsfashion #makeinindia #kolhapurstyle #brandindia #fta2025 #giinfringement #indiaglobalstyle Read More
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Evening news wrap: Bihar ambulance rape shocks nation; 8 killed in 'terror' attack at Iran 'judiciary centre'
. A 26-year-old woman was gang-raped inside a moving ambulance after collapsing during a Home Guard recruitment test in Bihar's Gaya district. In Iran, a terrorist attack on a judiciary center in Zahedan left eight dead, including five civilians and three gunmen. Union minister Piyush Goyal addressed the Prada–Kolhapuri row, assuring that India will receive global recognition for its GI-tagged cultural designs. Political tensions rose in Bihar as Chirag Paswan slammed CM Nitish Kumar, saying he feels 'ashamed' to support a government where crime is rampant. In Bengaluru, a staged suicide was exposed as murder after police spotted clues like a missing bottle cap and single chappal; the victim's wife and her lover have been arrested. Here are more developments of the day: 26-year-old woman gang-raped inside ambulance in Bihar, victim collapsed during Home Guard recruitment test During a Home Guard recruiting drive in the Gaya region of Bihar, a 26-year-old lady was raped in a moving ambulance after collapsing. According to reports, the incident happened on July 24 in Bodh Gaya during a physical endurance test that was being administered as a component of the hiring process. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Anne Hegerty And Her Partner, Who You Will Easily Recognize Sport Pirate Undo Police said the assault happened while the victim was being transported to a hospital after fainting during the exam. She has admitted to police that while she was unconscious, she was raped by several people inside the ambulance. Read more Eight killed in 'terrorist' attack at Iran's 'judiciary centre' A "terrorist attack" on a judiciary center in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan resulted in eight fatalities and thirteen injuries, according to state media cited by news agency AFP. Iranian official television reported that security personnel later killed the attackers. According to the AFP report, gunmen attacked a justice facility. Read more Prada-Kolhapuri row: Piyush Goyal says India will get due credit for its design In light of the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom and India, Union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal stated that India will receive the credit it deserves for its distinctive cultural exports. Goyal stated that the government is taking action to safeguard and market its distinctive cultural products in international markets, citing the recent Prada–Kolhapuri chappal debate. "As soon as a multinational company used our Kolhapuri chappals' design, the Commerce Ministry acted. India will receive the recognition it deserves for the design of the Kolhapuri chappal when it is exported in the future. "It is a GI product from India," Goyal stated. Read more Chirag Paswan flays NDA ally Nitish Kumar over rising crime, says 'ashamed to support Bihar govt' Even though his party is still a part of the BJP-led NDA, Chirag Paswan, the leader of the LJP (Ram Vilas), stoked political tensions on Saturday by strongly criticizing Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. "I feel ashamed that I am supporting a government where crime has become uncontrolled," Paswan remarked. Chirag's direct criticism has caused a stir within the ruling alliance, especially as Bihar elections are approaching later this year. Speaking to media, Chirag conveyed his distress about the declining state of law and order in Bihar. Read more Affair, forced poisoning and a black car: How missing bottle cap and chappal cracked staged suicide in Bengaluru A suspected suicide near Kanva dam in Bengaluru South took a chilling turn after alert police officers uncovered inconsistencies at the scene. A man was found dead beside his parked car, with an empty poison bottle nearby. However, police grew suspicious after noting the missing cap of the bottle and the fact that the victim wore only one chappal. Their sharp questioning of the deceased's wife, especially about the missing cap, led them to suspect a possible murder staged as suicide. The wife of the deceased and her boyfriend have been arrested for further investigation. Read more
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Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Prada's Sandal & the Kolhapuri Original: How Global Fashion Rebrands Craft
When Prada launched its ₹1.2 lakh 'toe-ring sandal,' many in India saw something familiar — the traditional Kolhapuri chappal. But this isn't an isolated case. From Kutch embroidery to Nehru jackets, global fashion often echoes Indian designs without attribution. In this video, we explore: • The Prada-Kolhapuri controversy • Other global brand examples • Legal loopholes in craft protection • The fine line between inspiration and appropriation
India Today
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Fashion veteran Sunil Sethi on Prada-Kolhapuri row: ‘We deserve acknowledgement'
'India is the global flavour of the season,' Fashion Design Council of India's chairman Sunil Sethi proudly told India Today about the ongoing Prada-Kolhapuri Italian fashion giant, during Paris Fashion Week, presented a collection featuring Kolhapuri chappals - a GI-tagged Indian footwear craft - but without any acknowledgement of its roots. The craft originated in India, in the regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka, hundreds of years ago and continues to be a timeless style staple for both modern and traditional fashion enthusiasts. Prada, at the show, labelled them as mere 'leather sandals'. India's Kolhapuri Chappal at Prada SS26 menswear show, but the luxury label initially called them just 'leather sandals'. (Photos: Prada) advertisementPrada's move stood in stark contrast to Louis Vuitton, who celebrated India in more ways than one at their show in Paris, making our country the actual showstopper. After a major online uproar and also a formal nudge from the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), Prada did eventually give Kolhapuris their due. A Prada spokesperson eventually said, 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.'Nevertheless, digs from celebrities as well as the fashion world continue on the Prada-Kolhapuri row. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Neena Gupta recently took cheeky digs at Prada with their Instagram it goes on, Sethi told India Today that this season everyone is drawing inspiration from Indian craft and culture. 'We want that to continue, but we deserve acknowledgement,' the FDCI chairman said.'I'm not saying it's necessarily an IP infringement, but I do believe we deserve acknowledgement. If someone says, 'Yes, we were inspired by India or by Kolhapuris,' that's good enough for me. And Prada did admit to it. So, in a way, this controversy has actually brought more attention to Kolhapuris,' Sethi said.'They're more widely known now,' he several reports suggest Prada will hold a meeting via video conferencing with office-bearers of the MACCIA and artisans on July 11. The luxury brand is expected to discuss a possible collaboration with Kolhapuri artisans, to explore possibilities of taking the Kolhapuri chappal to the global for Sunil Sethi, he announced the 18th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week in New Delhi at a press conference held in the capital on Monday. The highly anticipated fashion extravaganza will begin on July 23 and feature 14 leading Indian designers including Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Kumar, Rimzim Dadu and Manish Malhotra. FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi with participating designers at Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 Late designer Rohit Bal's eponymous label will also be a part of the coveted fashion week.- EndsTrending Reel
