Summary

The author reflects on the life and impact of Biju, their pet rabbit, who was originally part of a scientific experiment but became a beloved member of the family, teaching them valuable life lessons.

Abstract

The author shares a personal story about Biju, an albino rabbit initially used for scientific experiments, who was adopted and became a cherished pet. Biju's life with the author and their family is recounted with fondness, highlighting the rabbit's affectionate nature, adaptability, and the unconditional love he provided. The narrative touches on the ethical considerations of animal experimentation and the transformative effect Biju had on the author's perspective on life and compassion for animals. The author expresses deep gratitude for the lessons learned from Biju, who surpassed his life expectancy and left a lasting legacy in the author's heart.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the initial utilitarian view of animals in scientific research, contrasting it with the emotional bond that formed with Biju.
Biju's ability to adapt to his new home and his intuitive understanding of household rules are seen as remarkable and challenge the notion that rabbits are less interactive pets.
The author expresses regret over the necessity of animal sacrifice for scientific progress, indicating a shift in their ethical stance.
Biju's silent presence is portrayed as a profound source of emotional support and learning, emphasizing the non-verbal connections possible between humans and animals.
The author's fur allergy is mentioned as a personal challenge in maintaining a relationship with pets, hinting at a sense of loss and longing for the companionship Biju provided.
The piece concludes with a heartfelt tribute to Biju, suggesting that the rabbit's memory continues to inspire the author and influence their interactions with other living beings.

My Biju

Taught Us a Thing or Two

From Family Photo archive,Photographer:Unknown, Edit: Monoreena

“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.”-- James Herriot

I OWE you one —

An un-bridled apology, And a heartfelt gratitude,

For the endearment your Clan gifted us with, For the love you showered us upon,

I still remember the day we brought you to our lab, Excited our dissertation to begin, an approval some time due, coming through,

Twenty babies we mothered for four months, Only to sacrifice In the name of science,

Those were days, when we Thought we could change the world…..

It breaks my heart to remember how you jumped on my lap, when I opened the cage, Oblivious that it could be your last….

That stroke of luck, Experimental spin, A lucky hand at Karma, My atonement begins,

How we sneaked you in That pitiful bag and Boarded the Metro, Those were days of frugal existence, Thanks to the friendly Security guy, who helped us through,

Knowing there’s reprimand waiting at the door, Your innocence gave you entry, For us to behold,

Back home, in your New abode, You needed no training To learn the rules, “Are the drugs working?” “What were you experimenting?” “How did he learn where to pee?”

But I knew, You helped me To make your stay comfortable And my life too…

Taking to eating everything that your gut could ever digest, Enjoyed binging on them when permission granted, No tantrums thrown, Hunger spirals, nibbling at my toe, Waiting for me to pick up and feed That carrot you could never ignore…

You are a faded memory bone, A story, stuck behind the crushed Plastics of that album — your home,

A sudden photo of a bunny somewhere, Wrings my heart, My eyes tears they hold….

Can you hear if I say today You filled our heart, And perked up our life? Your silent presence was a learning rife….

What were we thinking Overalls-cladded, blinded beings, Sacrificing you ,will Change larger scheme-of-things?!

You taught us how to live Life in peace, Preserve innocence, And care for fellow beings,

Be my nemesis, next when we meet, Until then, Biju, Rest In Peace.

Author’s Note: “Bunnies will always have a special place in my heart. They are often discredited as being good pets because they don’t ‘do anything’ — ask any rabbit owner and watch how they laugh!”- Shenita Etwaroo

An Albino white rabbit,Biju, was one from the ‘Control’ Segment of our experiments, the only one who escaped the slaughter,and which my Dean allowed me to carry home, from the twenty we brought, fed and raised to sacrifice for Science’s sake. I named him Biju (French for jewel), as those were days of Alliance Francaise, and everything French. He stayed with us for 8 years (going beyond his life expectancy) and kept donating his silent love, we all lapped up quite shamelessly.

I paid a little tribute to him in the first poem, I ever published on this platform, and have him as a fodder for a full length poetry, to bail me out this time.

With my fur allergy surfacing a few years ago, Biju remains the only pet I ever had or I will ever have, but nobody can tell the future……

Today’s shoutout is for Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) and her heart touching piece on her days of Metro Travel which brought back many fond memories.

Congratulations Yana Bostongirl for your newly-renamed-column-life ,and happy to share my first poem for the same. I am a little nostalgic as it is about my favourite ‘person’, who preferred to stay behind the wings so long. May you reach the sky!

Thank you Winston Dr. Preeti Singh Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles Sharing Randomly Marrisa W. and Coffee Times for this wonderful publication, forging friendship and bonhomie.

To everyone who cares to take note, know my gratitude, and before you leave do share your love for a loving Bunny, who is a beautiful memory now!