Slaughterhouse to Sanctuary

Ever thought of what would be left around us  a few years apart? In an era where nature’s fury manifests as droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures, we often forget that these challenges are being exacerbated by our unsustainable practices. Our priority of convenience over conservation, has led to the environmental crisis we are facing currently. However, recognizing the harm we’ve caused, some are making profound changes to live in harmony with nature. One such story is that of Anitha, a woman who made a life changing decision to transform her family’s animal farm into a complete nature farm, Lilac Farm.

Anitha, originally from a village in the Kollam district of Kerala, grew up in an environment where organic farming was the norm, long before the green revolution introduced chemical intensive agriculture. After being married and moved to Bangalore, she noticed a stark contrast in lifestyle. Everything was at the tips of your hands in the city, and like many, she enjoyed the ease in this way of living. However, becoming a mother sparked concerns about the food she was feeding her children. The thought of relying on unknown sources for food haunted her, and these thoughts insisted her to start a small terrace garden, where at least she can produce quality food items for her family. This small venture ignited a deep desire in Anitha to grow food on her own land. She and her family purchased 15 acres of barren land on the outskirts of Bangalore, which they initially struggled to cultivate. Once they found it hard to grow anything on the land, they decided to rear cows and goats, making it an animal farm. The dairy products they produced were added as an additional source of income. However, this venture soon evolved into a commercial enterprise, where animals were also slaughtered. Anitha admits that during this time, they were primarily focused on profit, turning a blind eye to the cruelty inflicted on the animals.

Everything changed when Anitha’s daughter was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. As they explored dietary changes to manage the condition,they realized the need to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Anitha and her daughter stopped consuming all animal products, including milk and curd, and soon noticed significant improvements in her health. This shift in diet led them to re-evaluate their treatment of animals on the farm. The major transitions happened in their lives once the family moved to the farm permanently, converting the sheds into rooms and other working spaces. A bold decision to cease all animal rearing and slaughter was made by them, and instead, the farm was converted  into a sanctuary for nature and animals. “The transition was not easy, but it was deeply fulfilling. We began farming the land organically, which had become fertile from years of animal husbandry. The positive impact of this new lifestyle inspired me to open Lilac Farm to the public, offering a refuge from the hectic pace of city life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature”, says Anitha.

A crucial moment in this transformation occurred when Anitha’s daughter reminisced about her deep bond with her pet dog, Aysha. This bond made her daughter reflect on the emotions and trust animals place in humans, which was evidently highlighted in a documentary she had watched. The film depicted the brutal reality of a cow being led to slaughter,  made to pass through a narrow channel to be beheaded by a blade placed at the end. The cow was unable to retreat from its fate because of its trust in a human companion. This story resonated deeply with Anitha’s daughter, solidifying her commitment to veganism and animal rights. Today, Lilac Farm is home to rescued cows, oxen, ponies, and dogs, all of whom are cared for with love and respect, free from exploitation.

At Lilac Farm, visitors are encouraged to experience the true essence of nature. A significant feature of the farm is a patch of soil specifically maintained for visitors to touch and feel earth. In a world where soil is often ranked as dirt, this patch serves as a reminder of our deep connection to the earth. Anitha believes that living close to nature is essential for our well-being. The farm offers various activities to help people reconnect with the natural world,from making dolls out of palm leaves and coconut shells to learning how to produce natural soaps, pastes, and brooms, visitors are introduced to sustainable living practices that minimise harm to the environment.

Of all features the natural pool stands unique, which remarkably contrasts with the artificial swimming pools found in cities. Made of stones and surrounded by trees, this pool blends seamlessly into the landscape, providing a habitat for frogs, insects, and other wildlife. It exemplifies Anitha’s commitment to creating an environment where all living beings can coexist in harmony.

Anitha’s journey is also a quiet protest against the modern world’s reliance on chemically treated products, plastics, and unnatural living standards. She advocates for a return to eco-friendly practices, emphasizing the dangers of overconsumption and the environmental impact of mass produced goods. At Lilac Farm, plastic use is minimized, and natural resources are carefully conserved. For instance, soapnuts, a natural product with soap-like properties, is used for cleaning and bathing, and enzymes made from lemon are used for cleaning floors. Ashes and mud replace commercial detergents for washing utensils. Cooking is done using firewood, and solar energy powers the farm. Lilac Farm is more than just a place; it’s a lifestyle that encourages self-sufficiency and sustainable living. Anitha emphasizes that true change comes only when we develop a sincere connection with nature and the soil beneath our feet. She believes that our modern, materialistic world, where everything is bought and sold, is disconnected from the realities of the natural world. The more we seek comfort and luxury, the more we harm the environment.

Anitha draws inspiration from her childhood in Kerala, where people lived in harmony with nature, producing what they needed without causing destruction. She recalls a time when food was seasonal and grown naturally, contrasting with today’s practices of producing fruits and vegetables inorganically, and in the process depleting natural resources. Anitha urges people to reconsider their food habits and lifestyle choices, advocating for a simpler, more sustainable way of living. She believes that the solution to climate change and natural disasters lies in embracing a life that respects and preserves nature.

Despite facing criticism for the lack of modern comforts at Lilac Farm, Anitha remains steadfast in her mission. She is driven by the hope that one day, more people will realize the importance of reconnecting with nature. For her, Lilac Farm is a source of deep satisfaction, a place where she and her family live in harmony with the natural world, free from the artificial comforts of modern life. Anitha’s journey is a testament to the power of nature to inspire and transform, and she continues to share her message with those who visit the farm, hoping to inspire others to follow a similar path.