Rhinos listening to the call of the wild; Image Source: Pxfuel

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Centuries ago, the library of the Dharmaguptaka sect of Buddhism at Nargahara, housed manuscripts that dealt with multiple themes about the religion. In the course of time, both the library and the town were sacrificed at the altar of history. Eons later, manuscripts once stored in this treasure trove got discovered. These were the Gandhāran Buddhist texts, the oldest Buddhist and Indian manuscripts discovered to date.

Of the vast collection of hymns, chants, and verses found in this manuscript, one is the Rhinoceros Sutra, which goes back to the early years of Buddhism. The text contains the perfect way of living according to Buddhist ideals, just like an Indian rhino- some solitary being treading on its own path without distractions of the household.

While rhinoceros is seen as an embodiment of patience and calmness, minding his own business, their dwindling population proves that humans refuse to learn. 

> Currently categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, these majestic creatures are facing great threats due to habitat loss and illegal human intervention.

 Unfortunately, such grave dangers aren’t just faced by the Indian rhino, but also other species like the Sumatran and Black rhino.

> In order to raise awareness regarding their decreasing population at the hands of human activities, World Rhino Day is observed each year on September 22. First organized by WWF-South Africa in 2010, the motive behind this day isn’t to create a meaningless stir but it began with the honest efforts to draw up a sustainable plan of action that could help preserve the rhino population all over the world.

Historically, the strong rhino skin has been used to prepare armor but the main market around them is because of their horns which are made of pure keratin. These horns are high in demand for their use in traditional medicinal practices and even ornamental value. Despite legislation and secured habits in forest reserves, these animals still get into the clutches of hunters and poachers. World Rhino Day brings into light such issues and advocates for better protection of rhinoceros with the help of civic engagement.

According to a census conducted in August 2018, India had a population of 2,939 individuals one-horned rhinos with their main concentration in the Kaziranga National Park. While these herbivores thrived in the entire Gangetic plane once, their habitats have been reduced to limited portions due to increased agricultural activities.

Although their numbers have increased in the last few years owing to extensive conservation programs, instances of poaching have failed to decrease. While these programs point towards a brighter and safer future for rhinos, this is just the first step in the right direction.

It’s both ironic and tragic that the Greater one-horned rhino, whose skin is used as a protection against enemies seen and unseen, requires safety from humans. As their population thins down, a huge loss of biodiversity seems near.