GAUSHALA
SUGWAY Gau Seva: Bridging Tradition and Rescue in Cow Welfare
At SUGWAY, our commitment to Gau Seva goes beyond mere service; it’s a dedication to upholding the sacred bond between cows and Hinduism. One of our mission, encapsulated in the objective “Sugway Gau Seva: Bridging Tradition and Rescue in Cow Welfare,” reflects our profound reverence for the cow, or “Gau Mata” .
In the heart of Hinduism lies a profound reverence for the cow, known as “Gau Mata” or the mother cow. Cows hold a special place in Hindu culture, traditions, and spirituality. They are not just livestock but revered as symbols of divine and natural blessings. Gau Seva, or the service of cows, is a cherished duty for many Hindus, rooted in the belief that caring for these gentle creatures is a path to spiritual growth and societal well-being.
The Importance of Gau Seva in Hinduism
गावो देवि वसन्ति याः सा देवता तु गौर्मता।
गोवत्सश्च प्रिया देवी, सर्वत्र पुण्यवर्धिनी॥
The divine forms reside where cows dwell; that place becomes sacred. The cow and her calf are beloved, bestowing blessings and purity everywhere.
~ Rigveda
The divine forms reside where cows dwell; that place becomes sacred. The cow and her calf are beloved, bestowing blessings and purity everywhere.
~ Rigveda
- Religious Significance: The cow is considered sacred and representative of various deities in Hinduism, such as Kamadhenu, the divine cow that fulfills wishes. Worshiping cows is seen as a way to connect with the divine.
- Spiritual Growth: Engaging in Gau Seva is believed to purify the soul and accumulate positive karma. By caring for cows, individuals express their commitment to non-violence (ahimsa) and compassion, fundamental principles of Hindu philosophy.
- Economic Sustainability: Cows provide essential resources like milk, ghee (clarified butter), and dung for fuel and agriculture. Supporting and protecting cows ensures the economic well-being of rural communities.
- Environmental Protection: Cows play a vital role in sustainable agriculture by providing organic manure. This, in turn, contributes to soil fertility and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Our Organization's Commitment to Gau Seva
At SUGWAY, we are deeply committed to the service of cows and upholding the values and principles associated with Gau Seva. One of our mission is to promote the welfare of cows and create awareness about their significance in Hinduism and society at large.
How we are involved in Gau Seva
- Cow Shelters: SUGWAY operates and supports Goshalas (cow shelters) where abandoned, injured, or old cows are provided with a safe and nurturing environment. These shelters also serve as educational centers where people can learn about the importance of Gau Seva.
- Veterinary Care: The organization works closely with veterinarians to ensure that cows in their care receive proper medical attention, vaccinations, and regular check-ups to maintain their health and well-being.
- Awareness Campaigns: Sugway organizes awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars to educate communities about the significance of Gau Seva, the benefits of cow-based products, and the promotion of ethical treatment of cows.
- Support for Rural Communities: Through sustainable farming practices and the utilization of cow-based resources, Sugway aims to uplift rural communities, empowering them economically and environmentally.
Gaushala and SUGWAY'S Inception
Gaushala is associated with SUGWAY right from the inception of the trust. It started with rescuing 11 cows from the butcher, even with a paucity of funds. The practice of saving cows is being followed regularly, including rescuing cows from slaughterhouses, accepting cows from farmers unable to support them due to old age and infertility, and rescuing cows by police.
The number of cows steadily increased over 19 years to over a hundred. However, without a steady source of income, taking care of cows puts a significant financial burden on the trust
Ways SUGWAY cares for Cows
Shelter: Sugway provides comfortable accommodation for cows and a field for them to roam.
Feed: Dry and Green Fodder is provided, with bulk procurement during seasons.
Drinking Water: We do pump water from a nearby borewell to ensure a sustainable water supply for Gaushala. Additionally, we regularly apply ‘Choona’ (lime) to maintain cleanliness in the drinking water area. This not only keeps the water source pristine but also contributes to cooling in summer and warmth in winter.
Summer Arrangements: To keep cows cool, arrangements for sprinkling water are made.
Protein Supplementation: Additional protein discs are provided for a balanced diet.
Special Attention: Weaker cows are personally fed, and arrangements are made for very weak cows to lift them.
Hygiene and Cleanliness: Regular daily requirements for maintaining cow health.
Health Check-ups: Regular health check-ups by expert veterinary doctors.
Vaccination: Seasonal vaccination is done regularly.
Motherly Care: Ensuring motherly care for the cows.
Our Organization's Commitment to Gau Seva
At SUGWAY, we are deeply committed to the service of cows and upholding the values and principles associated with Gau Seva. One of our mission is to promote the welfare of cows and create awareness about their significance in Hinduism and society at large.
How we are involved in Gau Seva
- Cow Shelters: SUGWAY operates and supports Goshalas (cow shelters) where abandoned, injured, or old cows are provided with a safe and nurturing environment. These shelters also serve as educational centers where people can learn about the importance of Gau Seva.
- Veterinary Care: The organization works closely with veterinarians to ensure that cows in their care receive proper medical attention, vaccinations, and regular check-ups to maintain their health and well-being.
- Awareness Campaigns: Sugway organizes awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars to educate communities about the significance of Gau Seva, the benefits of cow-based products, and the promotion of ethical treatment of cows.
- Support for Rural Communities: Through sustainable farming practices and the utilization of cow-based resources, Sugway aims to uplift rural communities, empowering them economically and environmentally.
Gaushala and SUGWAY'S Inception
Gaushala is associated with SUGWAY right from the inception of the trust. It started with rescuing 11 cows from the butcher, even with a paucity of funds. The practice of saving cows is being followed regularly, including rescuing cows from slaughterhouses, accepting cows from farmers unable to support them due to old age and infertility, and rescuing cows by police.
The number of cows steadily increased over 19 years to over a hundred. However, without a steady source of income, taking care of cows puts a significant financial burden on the trust
Ways SUGWAY cares for Cows
Shelter: Sugway provides comfortable accommodation for cows and a field for them to roam.
Feed: Dry and Green Fodder is provided, with bulk procurement during seasons.
Drinking Water: We do pump water from a nearby borewell to ensure a sustainable water supply for Gaushala. Additionally, we regularly apply ‘Choona’ (lime) to maintain cleanliness in the drinking water area. This not only keeps the water source pristine but also contributes to cooling in summer and warmth in winter.
Summer Arrangements: To keep cows cool, arrangements for sprinkling water are made.
Protein Supplementation: Additional protein discs are provided for a balanced diet.
Special Attention: Weaker cows are personally fed, and arrangements are made for very weak cows to lift them.
Hygiene and Cleanliness: Regular daily requirements for maintaining cow health.
Health Check-ups: Regular health check-ups by expert veterinary doctors.
Vaccination: Seasonal vaccination is done regularly.
Motherly Care: Ensuring motherly care for the cows.
Financial Challenges and Call to Action
At our ashram, we passionately support Gaushala with Registration No. F-27681 in Mumbai. Our commitment extends to providing refuge for elderly, ailing, infertile, or dry cows, offering them a loving home instead of letting them face the butcher’s fate. We also receive cows rescued by the police from illegal slaughterhouses, rehabilitating them through Nishkama GauSeva, selfless service.
Our Gaushala currently shelters 125 cows, with the potential to expand to accommodate 300. To sustain these divine beings, we require 8 Kg of nutrient-rich fodder per cow daily, totaling ₹3.00 Lakhs per month. The overall monthly expenditure, covering transport, electricity, labor salaries, veterinary care, etc., amounts to approximately ₹5.00 Lakhs.
At our ashram, we hold cows in high regard as divine mothers, refraining from any commercial exploitation. The milk obtained from these cows is generously donated to a nearby school for the deaf and dumb.
While we strive to provide optimal care, financial constraints pose a consistent challenge. Your monthly contributions or one-time donations to this noble cause not only ensure the well-being of our bovine mothers but also invite blessings from GauMata for abundance in your own life. Join us in this virtuous journey of Nishkama GauSeva.
You can contribute by making a donation to support this noble cause. Your generosity can make a meaningful impact on our efforts.
