Krsi goraksya vanijya. Krsi means ploughing or agriculture and goraksya, cow protection. These are the staples of society, this is what people live on. All living entities subsist on grains. So the ksatriyas may direct and instruct people, the brahmanas may perform their yajnas, but if they don’t eat then giving shelter or instruction is not going to work.
That eating is therefore the most essential aspect of life and this is why the vaisyas and their assistants, the sudras, are so integral that the other castes think that they are the most important people, because it is actually they who are feeding. Of course the vaisyas think that the brahmanas are the most important because they are taking the result of their work and offering it back to the Lord.
Srila Prabhupada said that this very common type of exchange was there but the responsibility of this goraksya, is it the duty of just some people? Some very very exclusive people? Is it the responsibility of all vaisyas, or is it for all grhastas or all devotees?
My proposition is that it is everyone’s responsibility. Just like everyone’s responsibility is chanting Hare Krishna, watering Tulasi devi, reading Bhagavatam. Similarly part of our common dharma is to protect cows. This is something that you see ingrained in communities like Bhaktivedanta Manor, where they have to limit the amount of cows they receive as gifts, and be very careful about the type of food that is offered to the cows, because to a greater or lesser degree all the devotees see the protection of cows as their dharma.
It is everyone’s dharma: the cow is our mother, she gives us milk while all over the rest of the world cows are being butchered, slaughtered, abused, and taken advantage of. Vaisnavas must take it as their responsibility to protect cows. Now, how do you protect cows? Does that mean that you have a cow on your balcony in downtown Singapore? No, that type of cow protection is actually cow abuse. You cannot just keep your own cow.
Cows only give milk if they have calves, which means you have to constantly have calves, which means you have to have a herd, and that is a full time business. So how is it that individuals should protect cows? They should in some way or another be connected to ISKCON’s herds. Srila Prabhupada established cow protection for instance in New Vrindavan, Gita Nagari, or as we have done here in Hungary at New Vraja-dhama. These herds are not the sole responsibility or duty of the local devotees in those places, they are the responsibility of the devotees and congregation of the local country. It is their responsibility to contribute to the cow protection, to donate towards the maintenance of the cow, to come and do some cow seva, and when they come to the temple they should bring some bhoga for the cows, to find out what items are needed by the cowherds. And the cow herds.
Cow protection is everyone’s business, it is everyone’s responsibility. This is being written down as varnasrama dharma. If one does not contribute or participate directly in cow protection then he should know that he is neglecting his dharma, he is neglecting his dharma. In other words he is adharmic.
This is in my view the greater picture of what varnasrama means. Varnasrama doesn’t mean that we simply philosophise about a way of life, but what are the duties of varnas and asramas, what are the duties that are common for all Vaisnavas, for all humans. And one of them is the protection of cows, just like chanting Hare Krsna is a common responsibility as mentioned earlier.
So, similairly, cow protection is a common responsibility for everyone. It doesn’t necessarily always occur to us, and even when it does, it’s difficult to get devotees interested. More difficult than getting devotees to do sankirtan, more difficult than getting someone to cook in the kitchen or be temple president, is to get devotees to be cowherds. To make devotees work with the cows, bulls, and oxen and to make that their life, it is very difficult for devotees to do this. “I am an educated person, I have this diploma and you want me to take care of cows? You want me to do that thing that God does? You want me to do that activity that is going on in the spiritual world?”
And that is what is going on the spiritual world. That is what is going on where we are going–at least where I want to go is where there is only gopas and gopis. The whole social identity is based on go, on cows. There are milkmaids and there are cowherd men. And if we are not willing to be milkmaids and cowherd men here in the material world, if this service is beyond us and we cannot forsee how we are going to dedicate our lives to working with the cows, then were are we going? Then you had better look for somewhere other than Braja. Then you had better go to Dwaraka or Vaikuntha, where that is not a compulsory, integral part of life.
Because in the spiritual world, in Goloka Vrindavan, Krishna goes out every day to tend cows. And yet it is so difficult to get devotees to be cowherders, to see that this is a respectable future, and to stick with that service. Because once again, cow protection is something that we talk about as being against the principles of slaughtering the animals. We don’t believe in slaughtering the cow, we don’t believe in eating the meat of the cow, cows should be properly protected. But, when it comes to properly protecting the cows, are we willing to do it? Are we actually willing to dedicate our lives to taking care of cows? Or are we willing to participate and support the protection of cows?
Therefore, we should ask: “What am I doing for protecting my mother? What am I doing to sustain cow protection in my zone? It is my responsibility, my duty as a Vaisnava. Am I performing my dharmic duty?”
On our Birth our mother breast fed us for a period of time. Then for the rest of our life we are fed by cows, without even feeding their calves. After squeezing out even the last drop of its milk, humans slaughter it for its meat.
India has a rapid rise in slaughter houses of cows from about 350 to 36,000 in span of thirty years.This is the official number.Don't know what is unofficial number.
The highly merchandised of the slaughter houses are ALKABIR ( Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh), FRIGORIFICO ALLANA (Aurangabad), Hind Industries (Aligadh), Allana Sons (Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra), Devanar ( Maharastra). They employ inhuman process and torturous way of getting meat and skin.
The animals agonies start long before they are dead. They are brought to Alkabir in trucks, from far away distances. For economy, 20-25 huge buffalos are stacked up in each truck. Nobody cares to feed them food, or even water while in transit. They are packed so tightly in the truck, that they are hurt by each other. By the time they arrive, they are no more capable of standing on their own feet. Their tails are cut and chilli powder is rubbed into their eyes to make them move.
They are brought into the final ground, where at least a thousand animals are stored. This is their last open air. They are kept here for four days, hungry and thirsty. Then their legs are broken and eyes poked, so that a 'certificate' can be obtained about their uselessness. The hunger and thirst of four days cause the hemoglobin to move from blood in to fat. The meat with higher hemoglobin fetches better prices.
Now these animals are pushed into washing showers. Extremely hot water (200 degrees!) is sprayed on them for five minutes, to soften their skins, so they will be easy to remove. The animal faints at this point, but it is not dead yet.
Now it is hung upside down with one leg, on a chain-pulley conveyor. Then half of the neck is slit. This drains the blood, but does not kill the animal. After death, the skin swells thick, which sells for a poor price. But the skin of a live animal is still thin, which has better economic value. On one side the blood is dripping from the neck, and on the other side a hole is made in stomach, from which air is pumped inside. This causes the body to swell, making it easier to peel the skin. After removing the leather, the animal is cut into four pieces: head, legs, body, and tail. The machines remove bones, and pack small pieces of meat into cans for shipping. Most of the importers are Gulf Countries.
Right now, there are 36,000 slaughterhouses (official number), of which 10 are highly automated, where daily 250,000 animals are hacked.At this time the population of buffalo s in the country is only 75 millions, and cows 200 millions. Alkabir alone is licensed to kill 600,000 a year, but Deonar (Mumbai) is licensed to kill 2,500,000 a year, in addition to 120,000 cows and 60,000 buffalo's. Kolkata located slaughterhouse kills 1,200,000 cows and buffalo's per year. These are just official numbers for a few large facilities.
We hereby request the Government of India and Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to enforce a complete ban on slaughtering of cows and ban the Slaughtering houses Alkabir, Frigorifico allana , Hind Industries.
Article submitted by Sree Mahesh Agarwal, President A.P.Goushalala Federation Cow is highly sacred animals to Indians. They worship cow along with other God Goddess equally. But to violate the religious feelings of Hindus a large number of Cows & Calves are being slaughtered on Bakri-Eid by Muslim community. No religious provision is there in “Islam” or “Quaran” regarding the slaughter of Cows on Bakri-Eid. The plea is categorically rejected by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in a case of state of West Bengal v/s. Ashutosh Lahiri and others. In this case one another case was also quoted M. H. Qureshi & others in the state of Bihar, (A.I.R. 1958 Sec. 731) in which the Hon’ble Court has clearly ruled that slaughter of Cows on Bakri -Eid day cannot be considered to be a part of essential religious practice and that is the reason why protection of Article 25 is not available for enabling slaughtering of cows on Bakri-Eid day.
Even though it is not so essential for Muslims sacrificing Cows, they are being slaughtered on Bakri-Eid day only with a view to damage the sensitive religious feelings of Hindus. Not only a Bakri-Eid but also on other days also large number of Cows and calves are being slaughtered while violating the (i) A.P. Prohibition of Cow Slaughter and Animal Preservation Act, 1977 (ii) PCA Act 1960, (iii) A.P. Motor Vehicle Rules.
At the time of slaughtering the Cows no animal slaughter rules were followed. They were slaughtered in a mob at a time and on same place though they are animals. They also feel pain, stress, heat cold, thirst, hunger.
Animal Welfare Organization in A.P. was working hard for the strict implementation of the above mentioned Act. Members of various Animal Welfare Organisation were helping the police department by providing information about the illegal transportation and slaughter of Cows.
Unfortunately, nobody came forward to complaint regarding the illegal slaughtering of Cow. If any one complained to any concerned authorities, the authorities were not taking any action and said that they will face religious problems from the Muslims and majority of these officials have no knowledge of PCA Act 1960 & their responsibilities.
Except taking temporary preventive actions on Bakri-Eid, slaughtering of Cows is not successfully resisted, but so many other problems are arising.
Now it is suggested to take hard preventive actions at least 15 days before the Bakri- Eid. Then no religious problems will arise and law and order may not be damaged. In this connection Director General of Police, District Collectors, Secretary, Road Transport Authority, Director Animal Husbandry were contacted but of no use.
Director General of Police issued a circular asking all the police station to form teams for stopping of cow slaughter but not a single case has been booked in this regard since the issue of circular.
Not only on Bakri-Eid in regular days also there are thousands of cow slaughter in and around Hyderabad.
We are of strong opinion that nearly 25000 cows will be slaughtered only on Bakri-Eid in Hyderabad itself.
If the concerned authorities implement the preventive measures at least 15 days before the Bakri-Eid, slaughtering of cow can be prevented peacefully and successfully. Animals markets shall be made close down for 15 days up to Bakri -Eid.
If anybody finds anybody slaughtering cow or its progeny they can contact Mr. Mahesh Agarwal, President A.P.Goshala Federation on 9394005600 or mail him on police4animals@gmail.com
Veil: (Veal is the meat of young cattle (calves). Though veal can be produced from a calf of either sex and any breed, most veal comes from male calves of dairy cattle breeds. Veal has a tender texture.)
Every time we buy milk from unprotected cows we are helping and financing the maintenance of the dairy industry which is based on exploitation and abuse against the defenseless animals. And all the process is executed on an unethical groun...d and disregards any respect for animal life. So that milk is all tinged with high degree of violence.
Explanation: In order for a dairy cow to produce milk, she has to keep having babies. When the cows have female calves, they’re likely to grow up to be dairy cows like their mom. When the cows have male calves though, many of them are taken away from ...their moms right after they are born to be raised as veal. These babies are put in tiny wooden stalls all by themselves. They’re chained at the neck so they can’t turn around or move more than a step forward or backward. All they can do is stand up and lie down. This is done so that they don’t develop muscles so that their meat stays very tender. Twice a day they are given some liquid food. This food contains chemicals that will help the babies survive under these awful conditions. Except for feeding time, they are all alone. This is very hard on babies who are meant to be in a herd with their moms, aunts, cousins, etc. These babies never get to play or graze or feel the sunshine of their backs or be with their mothers. They spend their entire lives in the dark in little stalls until they’re big enough to be killed and turned into veal – usually around 16 weeks old (about 4 months).
Next time you buy your milk Pl. make sure that the cows, Bulls & the calves are protected for life. For such supply in Hyderabad and Secunderabad In Andhra Pradesh, India Pl. contact us at goumata@gmail.com
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India has more than 4000 Gaushalas (cow shelters) in its length and breadth. Most of these take care of the old and hapless cattle. However, interspersed amongst these, there are around 200 exemplary Gaushalas that show the path to developing the Indian cow – whatever its numbers and capacities – as a self-reliant animal. Self-reliance comes from using the cow-dung as source of fuel, bio-gas, clean energy and organic manure; cow-urine as bio-pesticide and raw-material for Panchgavya medicines; and, indigenous cow milk as a therapeutic and nutritious product with immunomodulatory strength for the human body. Through such value-addition (followed in many Gaushalas), utilization of bulls in the lean period (e.g. Kanpur Gaushala), genetic selection of young calves (e.g. Radhanpur Gaushala), many Gaushalas are now financially self-sustaining Exemplary Gaushalas
Several Gaushalas in the country have followed innovative methods for raising output from cows and bulls e.g. enhanced utilization of bull power for rural activities and electricity generation (Kanpur Gaushala Society, Kanpur, UP), production of bulls for export to other states (Shaladeri Gaushala, Haryana), production of Methane, LPG and liquid Carbon Dioxide from gobar gas (Sri Gobind Gaushala, Gorakhpur, UP), and production of panchgavya medicines, vermi-compost and bio-pesticide for use in natural and organic agriculture. By using such means many more Gaushalas have become self-reliant, notably among them are GoVigyan Anusandhan Kendra, Devlapar, Nagpur (MH), Sri Geeta Gaushala, Surbhi Gram, Dagmagpur (UP), Geeta Press Gaushala, Gorakhpur (UP), GoSamvardhan, Govansh Vikas evam Anusandhan Kendra, Deen Dayal Shodh Sansthan, Chitrakut (UP), Gayatri Tapobhumi, Shantikunj, Haridwar (UT), Bafna Go Seva Anusandhan Kendra, Jalgaon (MH), Adarsh Go Seva evam Anusandhan Kendra, Akola (MH), Keshav Srishti Gaushala, Bhayandar, Mumbai (MH), Kamdhenu Gram Vikas evam aarogyadham, Chakulia (JH), and Durgapura Gaushala, Jaipur (RJ). Large scale practice of such value additions would also raise farmers’ income from livestock and his acceptance to maintain the cows, retain the breeds and help in conservation.
Utilization of Bulls
Under the Indian scenario and over the ages, a cow has developed more as a mother of bull calf rather than as a producer of milk. The recent increase in mechanization of agriculture has reduced in the requirement of bulls. In plain areas, and with partial mechanization in hilly and remote areas, bulls are required for only a few months in a year and the farmers find it difficult to maintain the bulls for a whole long year. Noting this, Kanpur Gaushala have developed a system to use the bulls for village activities like lifting water, chaff cutting, and even generation of electricity like charging the inverter for subsequent use. The bulls can be put to gainful use for 3-4 hours every day during the lean season. As observed in villages, bullocks are made to walk in a circular path (having a diameter of about 6 meters), thereby the bullocks can generate 1½ to 2 RPM (revolutions per minute) which is sufficient for some village activities like crushing sugarcane or lifting water from shallow wells. Such low RPM, however, is not sufficient for other demanding rural agricultural operations presently carried out by diesel power. In order to raise the RPM, Kanpur Gaushala has taken a lead and developed appropriate gear-instruments which raised the output to 400 RPM that is sufficient for operations like pumping out water from deep wells, running ‘atta-chakki’ etc. Through mechanical means, the output was further raised to 1800 RPM to generate and store electricity in ‘inverter’ for subsequent use. Some other Gaushalas have implemented the technology and raised the utility of bulls. This above scheme raises the hope of utilizing the bullocks in their lean period (when bullocks are not required for field operations and have to be fed by the farmers without any output) and reducing the dependence on the already rationed pole-electricity. At present around 57% of the country’s land is cultivated by bulls including the entire hilly and remotely located areas. Enhancement in the utility of bulls and increased benefit to farmer would raise the demand for bulls and Gaushalas would be benefitted by meeting the demand. Use of bulls is environment friendly, the dung/Urine are used for organic farming and there is reduced dependence on fossil fuel. According to an estimate (Patel, 2005), India will need 41 million draft animals in 2020 and 35 million in 2060. Gaushalas can gear up to meet the demand and gain self-sufficiency in the process.
Panchgavya
Panchgavya is the product prepared from five ingredients all taken from indigenous cow: milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine. The product has variously been shown to be effective in human ailments (Chauhan 2001-2007). The cow urine distillate has been found to increase immunity in mice. It also increases the phagocytic activity of macrophages and secretion of interleukin 1 and 2. Recently, the cow urine has also been granted U.S. patent for its synergistic properties with antibiotics and as bio-enhancer. Indian scientists have obtained US patent (No. 6410059 dated 25.6.2002) on a pharmaceutical composition comprising cow urine distillate (Dhama et al.2005). Another US Patent was granted for anti-cancerous properties of cow urine (Patent No. 6896907, dated May 24, 2005). Several Gaushalas are engaged in preparation of Panchgavya products and maintain track record of their effective use on patients. Some notable Gaushalas are:
By preparing Panchgavya products and other positive means, many of these Gaushalas are now self-reliant. It is high time certification and standardization for the preparation of Panchgavya medicines is made available so that small and big Gaushalas can take to preparing Panchgavya products and gain self-sufficiency.
Indigenous Cow Milk For Therapeutic Values
Indigenous cow milk is known to have higher therapeutic values. Vechur cow milk is in demand to meet the medical requirement of patients in Kerala. Several studies have confirmed that indigenous cow milk is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, has higher CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), and MDGi – a protein that suppresses cancer. It also has an agent (Stron-tn) that provides protection from atomic radiations. It has higher levels of certain cerebrocides that increase human brain power, sharpen intellect, give swiftness to body and stability of emotions. Milk from indigenous breed cows is of much higher value than the price it is tagged with. There is a need to change the present system of pricing milk based on fat percentage (which favours buffaloes) and ignores the above therapeutic qualities of indigenous cow milk. Gaushalas maintain indigenous cows and provide cow milk for use as a medicine. A nearby Gaushala is sometimes the only source of indigenous cow milk.
Cow Dung For Fuel, Manure & Energy
Cow dung is a valuable by-product and has multifarious uses. It keeps environment free from pollution, clears air of germs and does not allow any radiation effect. It turns rotting vegetation from spoiling and turns it into compost. Covering of seeds with dung before sowing improves their germination. In general, cow dung is used as (i) Fuel (in the form of ‘upla’) (ii) Manure (compost & vermin-compost) and (iii) For the production of Bio-Gas, Methane, CNG etc.
(i) Cattle produce dung-ultimately used as fuel-worth Rs. 2000 crore per annum in India, and saves on the foreign exchange required for import of petroleum products. Dung as fuel meets the local energy requirements, and saves the expenditure on fuel material. Cow dung has medium burning temperature which is convenient for retention of nutrients. In addition to the domestic front, ‘Upla’ are now plenty in use in industries as well. In ponds, cow dung neutralizes pond’s acidity. In recent years, strong bricks have been made by using cow dung mixed with mud (e.g. Kanpur Gaushala).
(ii) Cattle produce dung - ultimately used as manure - worth Rs. 2500 crore every year. Use of cow dung as manure reduces the requirement on chemical fertilizers while, at the same time, contributes to eco-friendly organic agriculture and natural farming. Vermi-composting improves the manure-quality and availability of nutrients to plants. Cow dung has specifically been used to prepare amrit-pani whereby 5 kg indigenous cow dung is sufficient to meet manurial requirements of one hectare. Other forms of value added manure/compost (like Nadep Khad, Matka Khad) are also prepared in Gaushalas. It is claimed that such manure prepared from the indigenous cow dung is superior in quality. Manure supports earthworms grow and the nutrients in it are in an acceptable form for the rootlets of plants.
(iii) Cow dung is used in the preparation of bio-gas which finds various uses like fuel and light. Recently, bio-gas has been isolated into methane and CO2 (Gorakhpur Gaushala). Bio-gas is passed through cylinders to cleanse H2S gas and water vapour, and then, methane and CO2 are separated out through chemical means. Methane is compressed and bottled in cylinders that are put to use for running auto and car. The liquefied CO2 is a value added product having industrial use. CNG has also been prepared from Bio-Gas and used in vehicles like a car (Jamnagar Gaushala).
Cow Urine as Bio-Pesticide
Importance of cow urine has been better understood only in the recent years even though it has been mentioned in Sushruit Samhit and Ashtang Sangrah. Through the immuno-modulatory properties of the cow-urine (Chauhan, 2007), it cures human ailments and has the capacity to enhance body’s immunity. It is effective against tuberculosis and cancer and enhances the impact of vaccinations. It has been shown to act as blood purifier, cures leucorrhoea, cleans intestines, removes deposits, cures itching, eczema, psoriasis, asthma, giddiness, cough, urinary problems etc. It also prevents free radical formation and postpones ageing. It has bactericidal activity, activates macrophages and augments engulfment power. Cow urine has copper as a constituent that acts as antidote and kills drug resistant bacteria & viruses. It also has uric acid and dissolves stones in kidney/gall-bladder. Use of cow urine raises immune-potentiating property and also reduces immune suppressive effects of chemical pesticides. In agriculture, it is a valuable bio-pesticide, and unlike the chemical pesticides, it doesn’t accumulate in food chain. Proper use of cow urine in agriculture and human health will be all the more important in view of WHO observation that by 2020AD the microorganisms will be resistant to the existing antibiotics.
Cattle Improvement And Conservation
Each Gaushala – it has been revealed recently– has some 10 percent (10P) indigenous cows that are local purebreds (or closely so). These purebreds can be perpetuated to raise purity in the Gaushala by keeping them in a separate shed (10P Barn) and ensuring same breed bull for them. In a recent study (NBAGR, 2006), certain Gaushalas have been noted as potential centres for breed conservation and improvement. In a set of large sized Gaushalas in four states (Haryana, UP, Gujarat and Rajasthan) it was recorded that 22% of the total stock in the Gaushalas was purebred belonging to Sahiwal, Kankrej, Tharparkar or Hariana breeds. It was estimated that around a thousand Gaushalas in the country have the capacity to conserve the local indigenous breeds. Moreover, the selection of progeny in the 10P barn can be directed to raising milk yield to meet the requirements of the burgeoning human population in the country. The selected male calves/future bulls from the 10P Barn can be gainfully used in the remaining of the Gaushala, surrounding smaller Gaushalas and in the surrounding villages for genetic improvement of cattle.
Epilogue
Indigenous cow milk has medicinal and therapeutic qualities, cow-urine is useful as bio-pesticide and has immuno-modulatory and useful medicinal properties, cow-dung has several uses notably manure and energy-source, bullocks can be used in the lean period for rural activities and electricity-generation. Gaushalas are showing path breaking methods for enhanced utilization of cow products and by-products, and becoming self-reliant. Moreover, the indigenous cow system is rural oriented, the improvements and benefits will accrue to the rural system in an eco-friendly manner.
By HH Sivarama Swami 
