Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said cow devotees must lead a public awareness campaign for the protection of cows. Serving cows is everyone’s moral responsibility. He appealed to the people not to abandon cows on the roads and to actively participate in efforts to make gaushalas (cow shelters) self-reliant. He also urged citizens to use products made from cow dung and cow urine. The Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh from his discretionary fund to Shri Krishna Gaushala, Karnal.
The Chief Minister was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Gopashtami celebration held at Shri Krishna Gaushala on Thursday. Earlier, he performed ‘gau pooja’, and inspected the medical facilities provided for the cattle at the Gaushala. Extending greetings on Gopashtami, he said this sacred day of Indian Sanatan tradition connects people with culture, brotherhood, and compassion. He added that Gopashtami is not merely a festival but a symbol of kindness, service, and a sense of duty.
Social and Spiritual Importance of Cow
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the cow holds both social and spiritual significance and has always been associated with wealth and prosperity. In ancient times, a person’s wealth was measured by the number of cows they owned. According to mythology, Kamadhenu, the divine cow, was one of the fourteen precious gems that emerged from the churning of the ocean by gods and demons. Another legend narrates that when Lord Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to protect the cowherds, Lord Indra, on the eighth day, sought his refuge. Indra then performed the abhishek (anointing) of Lord Krishna with Kamadhenu and bestowed upon him the title of Govind. Since then, the eighth day is celebrated as Gopashtami.
The Chief Minister said that the cow is considered a divine and spiritual being and is revered as a mother. Cow’s milk is regarded as equivalent to nectar. Scientific studies have proven that the milk of indigenous (desi) cows is highly beneficial for health and is considered as nutritious as mother’s milk.
Several Steps Taken for Cow Conservation and Protection
Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has taken several initiatives for the development of gaushalas, protection of cattle, and promotion of natural farming. Eleven years ago, the Gau Seva Aayog received only Rs 2 crore in grants, but after the BJP government came to power, this amount has been continuously increased. The government has now allocated Rs 600 crore for cow protection and promotion.
He informed that in 2014, there were 215 registered gaushalas in the state housing 1.75 lakh cattle, while today there are 686 gaushalas with over 4 lakh cattle. The process of purchasing 800 e-rickshaws for gaushalas is underway. The government is also providing electricity to gaushalas at Rs 2 per unit, and stamp duty on land registration for gaushalas has been abolished.
Construction of Sheds in Gaushalas Underway
The Chief Minister further stated that in gaushalas with more than 3,000 cattle, a veterinary doctor is deputed once a week, while for smaller gaushalas, Veterinary Livestock Development Assistants (VLDAs) are assigned. Mobile veterinary services have also been made available. Two cow sanctuaries have been established in the state for stray cattle. The government has already decided to provide Rs 10 lakh per gaushala for constructing sheds. So far, sheds have been built in 51 gaushalas, and work is ongoing in others.
He informed that Rs 88.50 crore has been given as fodder subsidy to 605 gaushalas. In the last 11 years, registered gaushalas have received around Rs 388 crore as fodder assistance. Under the National Gokul Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, steps are being taken to preserve and improve indigenous breeds. The government is also working to make gaushalas self-sustaining by promoting products such as natural phenyl, organic manure, cow-dung utensils, diyas, soaps, earthen pots, incense sticks, and gau ark made from cow dung and cow urine. Support is being provided to gaushalas for purchasing necessary machinery for Panchgavya production. A grant of Rs 6.50 crore has been released to 101 gaushalas.
He said that strict laws have been enacted to ensure the safety of cows. There is a provision for ten years of imprisonment for cow slaughter and seven years for cow smuggling. Saini reiterated that cow devotees must run awareness campaigns for cow protection.
Spiritual Discourse on Gopashtami
Earlier, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj spoke about the significance of Gopashtami, saying that the cow is not an ordinary being but the essence of Sanatan traditions. “If life-force (prana) is protected, life itself will be safe,” he said, emphasizing that serving cows is the greatest service of all.
Among those present on the occasion were Shankaracharya of Bhanpura Peeth, Premmurti Maharaj, Chief Whip and MLA from Indri Ram Kumar Kashyap, Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand, Assandh MLA Yogender Rana, Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, BJP District President Parveen Lather, Chairman of the Gau Sewa Aayog Shravan Kumar Garg, and Gaushala President Sunil Gupta.
