Save a Cow
Why the Cow?
Why hold the cow in such reverence?
It's because the cow embodies the concept of motherhood, intricately woven into the very fabric of life itself. According to belief, before being born as a human, one's soul traverses through the yoni of a cow, and after departing the human form, it returns to the cow once more. Whenever a death occurs, you'll often find a cow or a bull lingering nearby, symbolizing this eternal cycle. Offerings are made to the cow as a mark of respect to ancestors and to seek their blessings.
The significance becomes even more profound when we delve into the cow's association with the Gayatri, representing maternal energy. Have you ever noticed the distinctive hump on a desi cow? It houses a specific Nadi called the Surya Ketu Nadi, which absorbs frequencies from the sun, moon, and all the luminaries of creation. Serving, nurturing, and protecting cows allows individuals to absorb these positive energies, which can then be used to counterbalance imbalances in the body and environment or to elevate the soul. Conversely, harming cows leads to disharmony and suffering, a truth acknowledged across cultures and even recognized by modern medicine.
Throughout history, leaders and legends alike have recognized the importance of safeguarding cows. King Prithu, for whom the earth is named 'Prithvi', famously milked a divine cow to alleviate famine and save humanity. Lord Krishna himself was known as a Gopal, a protector of cows. Arjun, in the Mahabharata, deemed it worthy to risk another 14 years of exile in order to protect the cattle during the Viratnagar war. King Nahush went as far as to ensure justice for a cow whose calf was killed under his son's chariot wheels. Various rulers, from Mughal emperors to Sikh kings, imposed bans on cow slaughter, recognizing its intrinsic value.
The first Indian slaughterhouse, erected in 1760 in Calcutta by Robert Clive, coincided with one of Bengal's most devastating famines, highlighting the negative consequences of mistreating cows. Nurturing, feeding, and protecting cows thus become essential pillars for both prosperity and good health.
The origins
of 'Save a Cow' can be traced back to a fateful night in 2012. Two individuals, bearing witness to a hit-and-run involving a calf, were moved to action. Despite losing the calf, their determination gave rise to a nationwide movement dedicated to the welfare of cows, ensuring that countless others like it receive the care and support they deserve.
Volunteers at Dhyan Foundation undertake the noble task of caring for nearly 50,000 stray, abandoned, sick, injured, orphaned, and rescued cows and bulls across the country through various initiatives:
45+ Shelters: Dhyan Foundation operates gaushalas in nearly every state of India. These shelters provide sanctuary for numerous bulls, male calves, and elderly or infirm cows rescued from the clutches of the cattle mafia and illegal slaughterhouses.
24-hour Animal Emergency Helpline and 10 Ambulances: Responding to over 6865 rescue calls globally, Dhyan Foundation's swift and efficient emergency response team ensures timely rescue and assistance for distressed animals. Their effectiveness is evident as even the Municipal Corporation of Delhi entrusts them with rescue calls.
Plastic Removal Surgeries and Care: Stray bovines often ingest plastic, which can become trapped in their stomachs, leading to severe health complications. Dhyan Foundation provides lifesaving surgeries and care to alleviate their suffering and ensure rehabilitation.
Prosthetic Limb Replacements: Rehabilitation of accident and trauma-stricken cattle is a top priority for Dhyan Foundation. Through personal care, massages, sling lifting machines, and prosthetic limb replacements, they endeavour to restore mobility and improve the quality of life for these animals.
Water Troughs and Feeding Points: Dhyan Foundation sets up water troughs and feeding points for stray cattle, ensuring their basic needs are met both on the streets and within their shelters.
Fodder Supply: Working tirelessly, Dhyan Foundation ensures a consistent supply of fodder for stray and abandoned cattle, dedicating efforts to the care and rehabilitation of injured and neglected bovines.
Reflective Belts for Cows: Dhyan Foundation distributes over 15,000 Reflective Neck Belts to enhance the visibility of stray cows and calves during the night, thereby reducing the risk of accidents on roads and safeguarding the welfare of these animals.
Our Work For The BSF
Till now, over 50,000 cows and bulls have been rescued from meeting a bitter end at the hands of the cattle mafia. They have been rehabilitated at the DF gaushalas across the region. The critical and injured animals are provided with a nourishing diet, treatment, and medicine under the supervision of our in-house Ayurveda Acharyas.
Standing with the BSF has not only resulted in rescuing the voiceless souls but has also halted illegal cattle smuggling which was a source of illicit revenue generation that was used for funding terrorist activities, circulating fake currencies, and smuggling illegal arms and ammunition among others.
According to the BSF, livestock trafficking across borders has virtually disappeared in areas like West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. Many former cattle smugglers have now been convinced to take up farming. There has also been a considerable decline in the smuggler's attacks on BSF soldiers.
--“ The Shelter is very well managed by Dhyan Foundation. I am happy with how they are taking care of cattle.”
(Translated) --“The arrangement for cows here is amazing.“ (Translated)
What you can do
