The State Government is committed to conserving the indigenous species of cows in the State as it is immensely beneficial for human health and also useful in natural farming. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing Inaugural session of national Seminar on ‘Gau Mata Ka Manav Swasthya Par Prabhav’ organised by Aarog Bharti, Himachal Pradesh and Kalyani Pahari Gau Vigyan Kendra, Ram Kamal Charitable and Religious Trust, Shimla in auditorium of Portmore School here today.

Jai Ram Thakur said that the among others the very first decision of the State Government soon after assuming office, was to constitute Gau Sanrakshan Board in the State and also to levy cess of Rs. 1 on sale per bottle of liquor, for the purpose of maintenance of Cow Sanctuaries and Gau Sadans in the State. He said that it would ensure that stray cattle get a shelter. He also urged people to not abandon their cattle.

 Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that in a bid to get more milk, the scientists and farmers opted hybrid and imported species of cattle. He said that now the people have started realising the importance of indigenous cows not only from health point of view but also that they could easily be reared and suited for geo-climatic conditions of the country.

Jai Ram Thakur urged the NGOs and religious associations to come forward to help and preserve indigenous species of cattle. He said that the State Government was establishing a Cow Sanctuary at Kotla Barog in Sirmour district. He said that similar sanctuaries would be opened in other parts of the State to provide proper shelter to stray cattle.

Chief Minister said Cow is a universal symbol of motherhood and an ideal animal in Hindu mythology. Cow is considered as adobe of 33 crore Hindu Deities. He said that Cow is treated as the most pious animal. The belief is that one can attain salvation (Moksha) by worshipping the Cow. He said that Lord Krishna and Balram accorded great importance to Cows and spearheaded the “Cow worship and preservation” culture in the society.

Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that Cow is not only a holy animal but also backbone of rural economy. He said each and everything that cow produced is useful to human beings as well as to nature.

Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Animal Husbandry Minister Virender Kanwar said the Centre Government has sanctioned a project for sex sorted semen for the State, so as to promote indigenous species of cattle. He said that a project for promoting Pahari breed of Cow ‘Gauri’ has been prepared by the State and would be approved soon by the Centre.

National Organising Secretary Arogya Bharti Dr Ashok said cow not only provides milk, but also plays a vital role to maintain healthy environment. He said that Panchagavya was an extremely pure mixture as it is healthy when included in diet, gives strength to heart, increases life span and intellectual capability. As per Ayurved, it is the destroyer of the three diseases and also destroys all the impurities and disorders of blood, he said.

National Secretary Arogya Bharti, Dr Rakesh Pandit said that Desi Cow Milk contains huge A2 Protein, Omega3, Vitamins, Minerals, Cerebrosides, and Strontium etc. Major constituent of Cow Milk is Calcium which is essential for bone growth in humans and Cow milk helps in reducing the acidity, while it also increases the immunity levels in humans, he added.

Kalyani Pahari  Gau Vigyan Kendra Chairman Rohtash presented vote of thanks.

Vice Chairman Gau Sewa Ayog Ashok Sharma, Shimla district BJP President Ravi Mehta, Yuv Raj Bodh were present on the occasion among others.