Endangering the Endangered!
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| Bjing ngom (Hornet)- a delicacy among many Bhutanese |
In a world facing constant
global threats, consumption of rare animals and plants in the name of personal benefits
should be strongly discouraged.
Various beliefs on eating animals and plants for their supposed healing powers have been
prominent since dateless period in history. People indulge in eating rare
birds, animals, insects, reptiles and plants for multifarious results. Very
less scientific answers support these 101 bizarre habits. Some eat to
gain strength while few believe in hair growth or better eyesight etc. More, we
promote these unusual recipes for healing different ailments. For many of us,
eating a snake is a creepy affair but few enjoy the dish with heightened faith.
Whenever I see these unique beliefs in action, one question runs
through: How far is it true that the formula
will help? In the name of uncanny faith, rare birds like blood and Monal
pheasants are hunted down. It is even saddening to see number of rarities like beautiful
orchids, hornets, the Himalayan Tahr etc. find forceful, silent, entrances into the
kitchens. I am a non-vegetarian yet I strongly oppose the eating of atypical recipes.
The most famous list of weird food beliefs that exist in the so
called Happy Buddhist country (as far as I know) may get you off your normal
stance or make you lose your appetite or have no effect. In the biodiversity
rich nation, few people secretly enjoy odd food items of rare flora and fauna
based on culturally passed down beliefs and assumptions. I strongly belief in
preservation and promotion of our culture and traditions but I will support the
termination/degeneration of such bizarre customs that have more negative impacts
compared to the assumed positive factors.
My List of Top 10 Weird
Food Beliefs Existing in the Last Shangri-La
1. Hornet and few other
wasps and bees ( It is believed that it will give one strength and growth)
2.
Orchid (believed to have incomprehensible benefits.)
3.
Blood and Monal Pheasants
4.
Tragopan
5.
Kalij Pheasant
6.
Himalayan Tahr
7.
Wolves (Believed to cure Diabetics and few other diseases)
8.
Snake (Strength and hair growth)
9.
Bear and Bile (Strength and believed to cure many illnesses)
10. Musk Deer
*The list is not at all comprehensive in terms of number or beliefs regarding the recipes.
An interestingly funny reality: We are proudly writing slogans on
protection of animals, preservation of our environment; we promote eco-tourism;
the country formulates strict environmental acts; Participate actively in
global environmental campaigns to create awareness… all juxtaposed to indulgence
in consuming our endangered lists for fulfillment of ambiguous faith. We know
that some plants are used in medicine generation but how far are we using it in
a sustainable way. The concerned authorities possess strict laws but the laws should
be applied firmly like the Tobacco act or even Pedestrian Day.
There is a need to revisit our beliefs. The World Environment Day
2013 came with an interesting theme- Think.Eat.Save.
The world is going hungry and our small planet is consumed at an ever
increasing rate. Food waste is an issue to fight at par with starvation. But
for Bhutan, it would be a wise pledge to stop promoting the weird food beliefs
before talking about other food related promises and acts. Endangering the
endangered is what we do in the name of personal advantage.
Animal protein and plant nutrients do great help to our health and
there are numerous alternatives to obtain these necessities through positive means. It
is mere idiocy to belief that rare items possess super muscles and to deciding
to devouring weird food items, which directly as well as indirectly have various
unconstructive environmental impacts. After all, there is very less proofing
and discovered facts on these strange food beliefs, leave alone the threat on
the environment.
Let us Stop Indulging in Weird Food Habits!
THINK before you EAT… to SAVE and Be Guilt Free.
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