Cow-sanctuary to be made cow-pilgrimage centre

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that world’s unique cow-sanctuary will be made cow-pilgrimage centre. He also announced to set up a Cow Products Research Centre in the sanctuary. He said that a religious tourism circuit will be developed by interlinking Maa Bagulamukhi Mandir at Nalkhera, Pipalya Balaji Mandir at Soyat, Baijnath Mahadev Mandir at Agar and the Cow-sanctuary. Shri Chouhan was addressing foundation laying ceremony of country’s first cow-sanctuary at village Salriya in Shajapur district today.
The Chief Minister said that India’s agriculture-based economy cannot run without cow. Cow is centre of reverence and faith of cultured citizens of India. He said that cow-products will be produced in this unique cow-sanctuary in the world. Referring to the State Government’s initiatives for conserving bovine animals, he said that any vehicle transporting bovine animals for slaughter will be confiscated and guilty people will be sent to jail for seven years. Cows of indigenous species will be conserved. Shri Chouhan referred to the State Government’s schemes, which are based on Indian traditions and manners. He made a mention of establishment of Sanskrit university, Hindi university, Mukhyamantri Teerth-Darshan Yojna, school syllabus based on religious scriptures and imparting education of Yoga and Shrimad Bhagwat Gita. He said that religious places have been declared holy towns and are also being developed.
The Chief Minister said that now no new liquor shop will be opened anywhere in the state. He urged people and cow breeders not to sell old cows and instead, send them to Gaushala. This work will become easier after establishment of cow-sanctuary. They will be looked after over there. He also administered cow protection oath to those present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that Narmada river will be linked with Kshipra, Parwati, Kali Sindh and Chambal rivers to make Malwa region green. Reiterating his resolve for safeguarding daughters’ modesty, he said that those outraging women’s modesty should be give capital punishment.
Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh’s Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that cow should be given space in each household. He said that Madhya Pradesh government has done the work of imparting Indian values and traditions to young generation. He said that the government has discharged its duty. Now, the citizens will have to take a pledge for discharging their responsibilities toward Gau-Mata. Stressing the need for laying down standards for cow products, he said that time has come to restore glory of Mother Cow. He said that cow breeding is not mere economic activity, but is also symbol of Indian culture and ethos. Therefore, cow conservation work should be reached out door-to-door. Describing Mother Cow as beneficent, Dr. Bhagwat said that service to cow establishes manners in human society.
In his welcome address, Animal Husbandry Minister Shri Ajay Vishnoi informed about objectives of Gau-Palak Puraskar. He said that cow-sanctuary is concrete initiative to prevent disrespect to cow. Funds for Gaushalas have been doubled and they have been linked with MNREGA. He informed that the number of Gau-Palak awards has been increased to 1500 with a view to promoting breeding of cows of indigenous species. Besides, Vatsa Promotion Yojna has also been chalked out.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan felicitated breeders of cows with maximum milk yield. The first prize was given to Santosh Patidar of Ujjain, second prize to Smt. Laxmi Bai of Ujjain and the third prize was given to Hallu Yadav of Damoh. Consolation prizes were also given away to seven cow breeders.
On audience’s insistence, the Chief Minister sang bhajan “Ram Bhajan Sukhdai”. He released a book containing articles on cow’s cultural and economic importance. A calendar brought out by the Animal Husbandry Department was also released.
Biotechnology Minister Shri Kailash Vijaywargiya sang devotional songs on cow and Lord Krishna. The audience accompanied tunes of bhajans by dancing and clapping.
The Chief Minister felicitated representatives of Sant community Sant Akhileshwarananda, Sant Santosh Giri Maharaj and Sadhvi Pragya Bharti. Shri Kamal Kishore Nagar was also present on the occasion.
The programme was conducted by Gau-Samwardhan Board Chairman Shri Shiv Chaube. Foundation stone of cow sanctuary was laid amidst chants of Vedic hymns. Culture Minister Shri Laxmikant Sharma proposed a vote of thanks.
Former Union Minister Shri Satyanarayan Jatia, State BJP present and MP Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, former Chairman of Gau-Samwardhan Board Shri Meghraj Jain, local MLA Shri Santosh Joshi and large number of cow breeders and managers of Gaushalas were present on the occasion.