Rescuing Cows and Reviving Traditions

Growing up with the values of Hindu Sanatan Dharma, I developed a deep love for animals, especially cows. After witnessing the neglect of cows on the streets, I partnered with shelters in Gujarat, arranging transportation for over 200 cows to safe homes, where they contribute to organic farming and energy production.

Throughout my childhood, I was raised with a deep respect for animals, particularly cows. Rooted in the teachings of Hindu Sanatan Dharma, which emphasizes living with moral integrity, seeking knowledge, and maintaining compassion for all beings, I developed an understanding of the importance of preserving life and promoting kindness. My upbringing, influenced by the principles of Sanatan Dharma, has always guided me, teaching me to avoid arrogance, ego, lust, and unnecessary possession. Instead, I was taught to seek knowledge, to lead a life grounded in humility, and to live in harmony with nature.

The teachings of my family also played a significant role in shaping my worldview. In line with the spiritual values we followed, my family refrains from consuming garlic and onions because they believe these foods enhance tamas (darkness, ignorance, and anger). Our family philosophy was clear: we chose a lifestyle that nurtured peace, love, and understanding. This foundation of moral and spiritual integrity planted the seeds of my deep love and compassion for animals, especially cows, which hold a sacred place in Hinduism as symbols of selflessness and purity.

As a child, I felt a strong connection to animals and often found myself advocating for their well-being. This passion for animal welfare became even more pronounced when, during my 11th grade, I witnessed something that deeply disturbed me—cows left to suffer on the streets, abandoned once they were no longer useful for milk production. These cows were often malnourished, searching for food in plastic waste, which caused them severe health problems. I saw them struggle to survive in an environment that didn’t offer the basic necessities of life—food, shelter, or care. This was a grave violation of the compassion and respect that I had been taught.

These cows, who had given so much in terms of their milk, were left to roam the streets in dire conditions, exposed to danger, disease, and malnutrition. Many of them, unable to digest plastic and other harmful substances, eventually succumbed to illness, causing immense suffering and death. The sight of these helpless animals touched me deeply and spurred me into action. I knew I had to do something to change the situation and help these innocent creatures find a safe and peaceful home.

Determined to find a solution, I reached out to a few of my father’s friends who were familiar with local animal welfare initiatives. Through their guidance, I learned about several shelters that had been established to care for cows, offering them a safe space where they could live without fear of abuse or neglect. These shelters were located in Navsari, Kemraj, Vasai, Mumbai, and Saurashtra, and they provided not only shelter but also a chance for these cows to contribute to sustainable practices like composting and methane gas production.

I was encouraged by the work of these shelters and decided to take the next step: transporting these cows from the streets to the shelter homes. However, the logistics of moving large numbers of cows across long distances posed a significant challenge. The transportation of cows was costly, and many of the shelters struggled to fund the transportation expenses. I knew I had to find a solution that would allow the cows to be transported safely without burdening the shelters financially.

After extensive research, I discovered that some transport services, particularly buses that passed through the routes to these shelters, could be hired at a low cost. I approached the transport companies, highlighting the cause and explaining how the cows would be cared for in the shelter homes, where they would be used for sustainable farming practices like producing fertilizer and methane gas. After a few discussions, the transport companies agreed to offer a discounted rate of just 2000 rupees per trip, which was much more affordable than the original cost.

The shelters, in turn, agreed to cover these transportation costs as part of their long-term plans to use the cows for composting and methane production, which would help generate income and support the shelters' ongoing operations. With the logistical hurdles addressed, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I prepared to move forward with my plan.

Within just one month, more than 200 cows that had been abandoned and left to suffer on the streets of Surat and Bardoli were safely transported to these shelter homes. This success was a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and community involvement. The cows were not only rescued from their dire situation but were also given the opportunity to contribute to sustainable practices that would benefit the environment and local communities.

The impact of this initiative went beyond the immediate rescue of these animals. By providing shelter for the cows and using their dung for fertilizer and methane production, we were able to create a self-sustaining model that helped support the shelters financially while also benefiting the environment. The methane produced by the cows was used to supply gas to impoverished homes, helping families who lacked access to reliable energy sources. The cow dung was turned into organic fertilizer, which was then used to enrich the soil and support local agriculture.

This initiative not only improved the lives of the cows but also had a ripple effect on the communities involved. The shelters created jobs for local people, who were employed to care for the cows, maintain the shelters, and manage the composting and methane production processes. By providing employment and supporting local agriculture, the initiative helped uplift entire communities and promote sustainable practices that benefit both humans and animals.

Through this experience, I learned that small acts of compassion, when combined with determination and collaboration, can lead to significant positive change. By working together, we can solve some of the most pressing issues facing our society and our planet. The rescue of these cows was just the beginning of a larger movement to promote animal welfare, sustainability, and community development.

As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of the core principles that have guided me throughout my life: love for animals, compassion, respect for nature, and the pursuit of knowledge. These principles, deeply rooted in the teachings of Hindu Sanatan Dharma, continue to shape my actions and drive my passion for making a difference in the world. The rescue of these cows was not just about saving animals—it was about honoring the values that have been passed down to me and using them to create a better, more compassionate world for all beings.

In conclusion, my work with rescuing cows has been a deeply fulfilling and life-changing experience. It has shown me the power of empathy, collaboration, and innovation in solving complex problems. I hope that my story inspires others to take action in their own communities, to stand up for the voiceless, and to contribute to creating a world where compassion and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.

By dedicating ourselves to the welfare of animals, protecting the environment, and supporting our communities, we can all play a part in creating a better future for generations to come.