Vrindavan, 2016.06.13 (VT): The Panchayati Gaushala, one of Vrindavan’s most important gaushalas, is set to bring about revolutionary changes in taking care of its cows, and gearing up to lead Vraja in developing a sustainable cow economy.
In an exclusive interview with Vrindavan Today, Shri Champa Lal Bhuwalka, the Joint Secretary of the Trust that runs the gaushala, highlighted the concept of sustainability of gaushalas and making them economically viable.
VT: How do you manage to sustain your Gaushala?
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C.L. Bhuwalka: Since those who follow Sanatan Dharma consider the cows to be a goddess or holy mother, most Gaushalas including ours are run on the basis of a religious belief and a sense of compassion for mistreated cows. People have been donating to this cause for a long time. But with the changing times, many of the original donors have passed away, and the next generation is not so interested in continuing the traditions of donating to gaushalas. Thus all the gaushalas are facing challenges to keeping them afloat.
We seek donations for the charitable activity of gau seva. But the donations received by most gaushalas are not sufficient to feed all the cows. But we have to feed our mothers even if we don’t get enough donations. We can’t complain that people are not donating. Hence, we are working on a business model so that the gaushalas can survive of their own.
VT: What is your business model?
The first change we have brought to our gaushala is increasing the consumption of green fodder. Home grown green fodder is a healthy food for the cows and balances their diet. Sixty percent of the entire fodder consumed in the gaushala is green. Thus we save 50 percent comparing to the dry fodder. Green fodder is economically viable. But storing it for a long time is a problem. It has to be immediately consumed. We grow it in our own fields in purely organic way. It has tremendously improved the quality of the gaushala’s milk. We ensure the quality of milk is improved to keep the customers happy.
We can’t be always dependent on donations, as there is no certainty of getting them. We produce quality ghee in our gaushala, which is sold at Rs. 1200 per kg. People are buying it even it is costlier than other ghee available in the market.
We are making organic manure with the gobar which is sold to the farmers, and are working to utilize the cow urine to make phenyl and other products.
VT: What are you doing for cow protection?
The injured and wounded cows and bulls rescued from rustlers are brought to our gaushala. They are treated in our cow hospital and provided shelter. The cow keepers from the villages around Vrindavan bring their sick cows to our cow hospital, where they are treated by our experienced team of veterinary doctors. We also have cow ambulances that bring the injured cows to our hospital.
VT: Have you taken any steps for preserving the indigenous cows?
Yes, We have already started the process of separating the best indigenous calves to breed high genetic quality cows. Our indigenous deshi cows have curative properties that distinguish them from not only all other animals but among bovine species as well. Ayurveda is incomplete without the Indian cow and its five “nectars” or pancha gavya, i.e milk, buttermilk, ghee, cow urine and cow dung (gobar). The milk of the Indian cow is known for its medicinal properties and curd made of A2 milk with its healthy culture of beneficial bacteria helps in curing 72 types of diseases. We shall soon start producing A2 type milk in our gaushala.
VT: What is your message to the society?
It is high time that we start thinking about ways of feeding the cows other than through seeking donations. Gaushalas have to be made self sustainable to protect the cows in long run. We need to protect and preserve local cows.
Cow keepers and owners should realize the importance of cow progeny in our routine life and economic improvement. Ignoring the protection and upkeep of cows is an insult to entire cow progeny.
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