The same absolute respect for all life is there in the Vedas. This respect is based on (as in Christianity) the fact that beings are children of God, regardless of human relative values, and therefore everyone is dear to Him, and should therefore be dear to us.I'm not sure this absolute respect and value exsists. I don't beleive you will find any orphanages in countries that are predominately Hindu such as India and Nepal that were not established by Christian missions.
If a child is orphaned and staves to death on the street it is just their lot in life.
There are many HINOs - many so-called Hindus do not have a great understanding or application of their ancient scriptures. Kind of like the troubling fact that many Christian women have abortions.