Strange as it may sound, you often find a sad-looking cow munching indifferently on narrow pavements in the busy parts of Mumbai.  Alongside her is a lady with a heap of grass or sometimes balls of cattle feed. This is for the convenience of the people who believe that a part of their charity is to feed a cow. 

These cows are a big nuisance because they clutter up the pavements and also create a huge stink with their pee and poo. 

One day Ms. Papaya and I were walking down to the chemists when we passed by a cow and her keeper. I clutched Ms. Papaya closer to me and we squeezed ourselves down the narrow footpath.

The cow swished it’s tail narrowly missing my shoulder and let off a stream of pee.

I cringed as the droplets splashed onto my feet. I began muttering about how inconsiderate the cow lady was to keep a cow in the middle of the city. And how unhygienic it was etc etc. And that the city was no place for animals.

Ms. Papaya listened patiently and then remarked,

“But Ajji, animals are so kind. The cow gives us her milk to drink. And the snakes leave behind their skins for us to make shoes. And the crows pick up our garbage.”

That definitely made me look more kindly at the cows on the street from then on.

Ciao and see you tomorrow.

I’m participating in the AtoZ2020 Challenge, a month-long blog hop where participants post 26 posts, one for every Alphabet, every day except Sundays.

Do join me as I share my adventures with my Little People.