Hyderabad: Protecting Cows Through Sustainable Development
Many people talk about the importance of protecting cows, but not much action is seen at the ground level. One organization, however, is making a real effort. The “Love for Cow Foundation” is dedicated to promoting universal welfare through eco-friendly, cow-centric, and sustainable development. Their goal is to bring about socio-economic and spiritual transformation.
The foundation, associated with the Global Confederation of Cow-Centric Institutions (GCCI), is working to organize cow-based industries. They focus on areas like cow rearing, Panch Gavya Therapy (using products derived from cows), creating products from cow dung, and generating bioenergy. According to the organizers, the unorganized sector, which includes such activities, contributes 30% to 35% of India’s GDP. By organizing this sector, they aim to boost the economy and support both the public and the government.
To achieve their vision, the foundation encourages people to save as little as Rs 1 a day to contribute towards “Gau Seva” (cow service). For those able to invest more, the “Gau Raksha” (cow protection) program offers a unique scheme. Under this plan, contributors can invest Rs 3 lakh, and in return, they not only help protect cows but also receive benefits like two liters of pure cow milk daily and Rs 5 lakh after five years. The foundation procures cows from Gujarat and Punjab to support this initiative.
Promoting Cow-Based Products and Awareness
The Love for Cow Foundation is also involved in making and selling cow-based products such as pure cow ghee, paneer, cow dung, and cow urine. Foundation chairman Jasmat Patel shared that their pure cow ghee is sold for Rs 4,000 per kilogram. The foundation’s efforts aim to improve both “Gau Dhan” (cow wealth) and the financial well-being of investors.
Patel explained that his journey began 25 years ago when he bought a cow to provide pure milk for his child. Over the years, this passion grew, and the foundation now cares for around 40 cows. They are also setting up “cow hostels” in various parts of India to protect and house cows. Patel has been campaigning for this cause for the past 13 years, urging people to change their perception of cow protection.
Cow Hostels and Gau Shalas
To raise awareness about cow protection, the foundation has opened “Gau Shalas” where cow lovers can visit every Sunday. These visits aim to educate people and inspire them to take part in cow protection initiatives. Currently, the foundation operates five cow hostels in areas like Shamirpet and Moinabad on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
Initially, Patel said, people were skeptical about the idea of cow hostels. But over time, interest has grown significantly, with more individuals eager to join this mission. The foundation hopes to continue expanding its reach and creating a positive impact on society and the environment through their cow-centric initiatives.
