Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Mahatma Gandhi said this to address the issue of cruelty to animals.

True morality can be said to exist only when a moral behaviour is shown to the defenceless, weak and those who are different from us.

The statement brings out the need for:

(1) Compassion (2) Empathy (3) Fair treatment (4) As an end in themselves

with regard to our attitudes to animals.

In current context, it demands abolition of practices like Jallikattu, poaching of wildlife and measures for conservation of animals and environment.

This is also rightly enshrined in our Constitution in DPSPs, Fundamental Duties. SC has also enlisted certain freedoms for animals in furtherance of this cause.