As spending on pets soars, let’s explore the societal cost of this indulgence when orphaned children struggle for an education
Dr Bilal Ahmad
A new social trend has quietly taken root in our society — the growing fascination with keeping pets, particularly dogs and cats. What was once considered a luxury of the affluent has now become a widespread fashion. People appear increasingly fond of spending substantial amounts of money on the maintenance and comfort of their pets, often without reflecting on their broader implications.
The expenses involved in pet keeping are by no means minor. A simple cat bag, for instance, costs well over ₹2,000, while the monthly expenditure on food, vaccination, soaps, and shampoos easily crosses ₹4,000. These figures clearly illustrate that maintaining pets is not only a costly affair but also one that offers no tangible contribution to the development of society.
This is not to undermine the compassion people show towards animals — a trait that reflects kindness of heart — but rather to highlight a growing imbalance in our social priorities. When hundreds of orphaned and underprivileged students struggle to afford school fees or basic educational materials, it is worth questioning whether such large sums could be used more meaningfully.
If the same resources spent on pet maintenance were redirected towards the education of poor and deserving students, the results would be far more productive. These children, given proper education and support, would one day become the teachers, doctors, engineers, and professionals who form the backbone of a prosperous and progressive society.
True compassion lies not in pampering pets for personal amusement, but in uplifting fellow human beings who are in need. A single act of generosity towards a poor student can create ripples of change that benefit the entire community.
It is, therefore, time for introspection. Let us channel our emotions and resources wisely — from temporary indulgences to lasting contributions. No pet, however beloved, can build a nation; but an educated child surely can.
gn*******@***il.com