Homing in…

The strains of soft music add to the serenity that surrounds the PFA Chandigarh Gau Ashram,which has not only been rechristened,but reinvented in body and spirit! Given by the Municipal Corporation (MC) to the People for Animals (PFA) this April,the old cattle pound is now as good as it gets,with a new building,a system that ensures safety,cleanliness,better facilities for the animals and a philosophy which encourages people to be part of the change and be sensitive to the needs of animals. To involve more people in this unique initiative,and appreciate the hard work and the sensitivity of the workers here,the new Gau Ashram in Sector 25 has a beautifully landscaped area done by Sumit Midha,which has interesting stone work,small murals,lot of plants,benches and also a small stage,which will be used for creative workshops,theatre,book readings et al…”The project has been a success,for so many people came forward to donate generously not only things and money,but also their time and emotions,and we thought by having this beautiful space here,which is peaceful and in harmony with nature,we can have interactions,a flow of ideas and people to connect with our cause. This can also be used for children to play and be aware of the care animals need,’’ Payal Sodhi shows you around the ashram which is run meticulously by a dedicated team,which ensures,cleanliness,hygiene and a better life for as many as 160 cows,most of them given names and a designation! A mural is also being done by the students of the College of Architecture,who have selected a bull as the main design,to add to the aesthetics and work’s also on to create an artistic wall.

Separate areas for washing,fodder,medical care,sprinklers,service gates…the emphasis,adds Sodhi,is to make a difference and educate people not to abandon cattle on the streets,an appeal to motorists not to leave them injured on the roads. Here,they ask people not only to feed cows for religious reasons,but also contribute to their well-being by donating things that are needed to run the place,“we have put up advertisement boards to generate revenue and are constantly looking to improve and add value to our projects,’’ sums up Payal.