Bhartiya Gau Tirth: Gujarat Vidyapith to come up with ‘pilgrimage’ centre for indigenous cows

Emphasising that “Gandhiji’s ideals are still relevant today and the trust should make policies and rules for its institutions”, Devvrat had said that in accordance with these ideals, Gujarat Vidyapith should conserve various breeds of cows. Devvrat has been advocating natural farming using indigenous cows and leading a major campaign to motivate farmers to adopt the same.

“All the members gladly accepted Chancellor’s proposal and it was decided to work on this plan at the earliest. The national centre on cow research, preservation and conservation of indigenous breeds is expected to be set up within a month. A detailed project report is being prepared by a team from Kamdhenu University and Gujarat Vidyapith,” said Harshad Patel, secretary of the Gujarat Vidyapith trust.

For conservation and preservation of indigenous cows, the trust has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kamdhenu University in Gandhinagar. With its four veterinary science and three dairy science constituent colleges, Kamdhenu University – established for development of veterinary and animal sciences – will undertake the technical and research part of the project.

“The plan is to make the centre as a tirth (pilgrimage spot) where people can visit to know about cows, how to ideally manage the breeds…,” Kamdhenu University Vice-Chancellor Prof N H Kelawala said.

As per the plans, the centre will have around 250 – 50 indigenous breeds, five cows from each breed – cows from across states. Prof Kelawala said the teams will soon visit other states to identify the best cows that can be a part of the centre.

Sources said that while Gujarat Vidyapith is expecting financial support from the state government for setting up this centre, it is also hopeful of receiving donations and funds from institutions and individuals.

Over the last six months, Gujarat Vidyapith has done away with all “non-indigenous cows” at its four gaushalas, by either selling or giving them away. At present, it has over 80 cows and progeny at its gaushalas in Randheja (Gandhinagar), Dethli (Kheda), Ambheti (Valsad) and Bochasan as well as at with Krishi Vigyan Kendra.