By Ravindra Arya
New Delhi. A significant new development has emerged in the controversy surrounding the use of peacock feathers in pichhi, a traditional religious implement used by Jain monks. Acharya Suryasagar Maharaj, who had initially expressed a strong reaction over the use of peacock feathers, has now reportedly praised the efforts of People for Animals (PFA) director and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi after understanding the ground realities of the issue.
Acharya Suryasagar Maharaj has said that the peacock is India’s national bird and that its protection is the responsibility of the entire society. According to him, the use of peacock feathers has long been associated with religious and cultural practices in Hindu and Jain communities. However, it is now necessary to seriously examine whether this demand is being exploited for an illegal trade in which peacock feathers are forcibly plucked from birds and sold.
From Opposition to Praise for Maneka Gandhi’s Efforts
Earlier, Acharya Suryasagar Maharaj had reportedly reacted strongly to Maneka Gandhi’s statement regarding the use of peacock feathers in pichhi. However, his position now appears to have changed. The Maharaj has reportedly said that after understanding the actual situation surrounding the issue, he realized that the concern raised by Maneka Gandhi could not simply be ignored.
He reportedly stated that if the feathers of India’s national bird are being forcibly plucked from its body for sale in the market, it is not only an act of cruelty against wildlife but also a serious question for society.
Acharya Suryasagar Maharaj’s position is considered significant because the controversy is no longer limited to the use of peacock feathers in pichhi. It has now expanded into a broader debate about peacock conservation, illegal trade, and the need to strike a balance between religious traditions and wildlife protection.
Mention of the Work of PFA’s Saurav Gupta
During this discussion, the Jain monk also praised the work of Saurav Gupta, an active member associated with People for Animals (PFA). Particular reference was made to the action reportedly carried out in the Jama Masjid area of Delhi against alleged cruelty to animals and birds and illegal wildlife trade.
According to the Maharaj, PFA worked with the police administration to facilitate the action and helped provide relief to a large number of animals and birds. Following the operation, several birds were reportedly provided protection through the legal process, while arrangements were made for their treatment and care.
It was also reported that a large number of the rescued birds were taken for treatment to veterinary facilities such as Delhi’s well-known Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre/hospital.
“Who Else Will Stand Up Openly Apart from Maneka Gandhi?”
While appreciating Maneka Gandhi’s role, Acharya Suryasagar Maharaj reportedly said that the way PFA consistently raises its voice before the administration and police for the rights of animals and birds is noteworthy.
According to him, merely making statements in cases of animal cruelty is not enough. Ensuring police action when necessary, rescuing animals, providing them with medical treatment, and subsequently pursuing legal proceedings in court is a lengthy process.
In this context, he described the efforts of Maneka Gandhi and PFA as courageous and commendable.
Jama Masjid Action Becomes an Example
The recent action in Delhi’s Jama Masjid area against alleged illegal trade and cruelty involving animals and birds has also brought the issue into the national spotlight. During the operation, a large number of animals and birds were reportedly rescued, while action was also taken against several shops.
Referring to the role of Saurav Gupta of PFA, it was stated that the organization did not limit itself to the rescue operation at the site but also attempted to take the matter forward through police action and the legal process in court.
This is reportedly the aspect that the Jain Acharya particularly appreciated.
A Balance Between Religious Tradition and Compassion for Living Beings Is Essential
The pichhi made from peacock feathers is associated with the religious tradition of Jain monks and ascetics, while the fundamental principle of Jainism is ahimsa—non-violence—and compassion toward all living beings. Therefore, if any living creature is harmed in the manufacture or trade of a religious object, examining the matter is itself consistent with the spirit of Jain philosophy.
A positive outcome of the controversy could be to ensure that religious traditions are respected while making certain that only naturally shed peacock feathers are used, without causing any harm to the birds.
On the other hand, if there is evidence of forcibly plucking feathers, hunting peacocks, or illegally selling their feathers, strict legal action should be taken against those responsible.
Will the Controversy Lead to a New Path for Conservation?
The peacock feather controversy is no longer merely a matter of “Maneka Gandhi versus the Jain community.” The broader question now is whether religious faith and wildlife conservation can truly not coexist.
The reported appreciation of Maneka Gandhi and PFA’s efforts by Acharya Suryasagar Maharaj gives a new direction to the debate. If religious communities and animal-protection organizations work together to ensure that no peacock is harmed for its feathers, the controversy could give way to a meaningful solution.
The peacock is India’s national bird. Protecting it is not merely the responsibility of the law; it is a collective responsibility of society. At the same time, the Jain tradition of ahimsa conveys the message that no living being should be subjected to unnecessary suffering.
In this context, the efforts of Maneka Gandhi and the reported change in perspective of Acharya Suryasagar Maharaj could send an important message: religious traditions can be preserved while compassion for living beings is also upheld.
