Acharya Prashant responds to a question about why he has not spoken in support of repealing Section 28 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, especially with the festival of Eid al-Adha approaching. This section allows for the killing of animals for religious purposes. Acharya Prashant begins by providing context with statistics, stating that India produces around 8 million tonnes of meat annually. He notes that while India's population has grown three-fold since 1960, meat consumption has increased eight-fold, with a significant surge in the last 15 years. He details that annually, 25 crore chickens, 15 crore goats, and 40 lakh buffaloes are killed in India. He points out the irony that India, known as a land of non-violence and compassion, is the world's largest exporter of buffalo meat and the second-largest exporter of goat meat. He clarifies that this issue is not confined to a single community or festival. He states that over 70% of Indians eat meat, and many who identify as vegetarian are lacto-vegetarians or consume eggs, which also involve animal cruelty. The problem of animal cruelty is a year-round, societal issue, not just a one-day event. He criticizes how the entire society has implicitly sanctioned the killing of animals for taste, with advertisements featuring children to normalize meat consumption. He emphasizes that he speaks against this cruelty 365 days a year through numerous videos and books because the problem is pervasive and deeply rooted in societal habits and ignorance. Acharya Prashant then delves into the symbolic meaning of religious sacrifice (Qurbani). He explains that the 'animal' to be sacrificed is the inner animalistic nature (pashuvritti). While man is an animal, he possesses a special consciousness that seeks to evolve. This inner animal, driven by base instincts for food, sex, and territory, is an obstacle to this evolution. The story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) is about sacrificing his animalistic attachment to his son for a higher, divine purpose. Therefore, killing an external animal is a misinterpretation of the religious message; it actually strengthens the very inner animal that needs to be subdued. He concludes by stating that the core of all religion is compassion. Killing an animal in the name of religion is an act of cruelty and madness. He explains that the issue is not about a particular religion but about the widespread decline in spirituality and the rise of a pleasure-seeking culture. He has repeatedly spoken on this matter and urges everyone to understand the true essence of religious stories, which is to overcome the inner animal for the sake of higher consciousness. He appeals to people not to punish innocent animals for their own ignorance and to address the pervasive cruelty that happens every day, not just on one festival.