DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

On the occasion of the Gopashtami, the Hindu festival celebrating the sacred cow, observed on November 9, Haryana Cabinet Ministers worshipped cows at the Gaushalas located in their respective assembly constituencies.

Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij while speaking at a program organized at Rambagh Gaushala in Ambala Cantonment on the auspicious festival of Gopasthami said that in Indian culture cows are considered equivalent to mother and are worshipped as goddesses. He urged the people of the state to ensure that cows are not left on the roads.

Extending the greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Gopashtami, Sh. Anil Vij said that the day of Gopashtami is a very holy and great day. This day is the day of worship of Lord Shri Krishna's most beloved cow. In this country, products made from the milk of the desi cow contain plenty of A-2 protein and consuming it also provides relief from diseases.

He said that the state government has released a grant of Rs 70 crore for 250 gaushalas across the state under the Govardhan Rehabilitation Scheme. A minimum financial assistance of Rs 3.50 lakh has been arranged for each gaushala on taking 'Godhan'. The Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel, emphasized the significance of cows in Indian culture. He said that since ancient times, the cow has been a fundamental part of Indian culture and tradition. The cow is the foundation of India's faith and culture, said the Minister while addressing the devotees at the programme organized on the occasion of Gopashtami at Shri Krishna Gaushala in Karnal. Prior to this, he performed rituals for the holy cow, feeding it jaggery, fodder, and water as a gesture of respect.

Vipul Goel said that the state government is making significant efforts in cow protection and conservation, allocating crores of rupees to gaushalas every year. The government has also launched numerous initiatives to make gaushalas self-sustaining and has taken steps to bring stray cows to these gaushalas. Valuable support for cow protection is being received through religious and social organizations, with the general public also contributing.

He added that under the guidance of Gita Manishi Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, the Haryana government is also working to spread awareness of cow service and the teachings of the sacred text, the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Through the International Gita Mahotsav, the message of the Gita is reaching

people worldwide.

(editor@dailyworld.in)