Caring for cows is a blessing not everyone gets. Neelavara Goshale has been key to this effort in Udupi, giving an opportunity to channelize sustainable and ethical efforts
I have been an animal lover since childhood. I remember taking a toy dog out for a walk beside an actual one from a neighbor. The love for animals came in my genes- I have photos of me staring at the housecat as an infant, being mesmerized by its cuteness.
My love for animals was being channelized only through some donations which I was not fully convinced about. For some time, I donated to World Wildlife Fund, but felt a large portion went into marketing without going fully for animal welfare. I donated to Mysore Zoo, but questioned myself on ethics of having animals confined to zoos
Cows: A love based on spirituality and animal love
The town I live in is the land of Lord Krishna, so cows have a special place in everyone’s hearts. The astha mutts presiding over the Krishna Mutt run many charitable activities including a Goshale or home for cows. The one at Neelavar maintained by Govardhan Giri Trust has 1600 cows being cared for. This home cares for aged, abandoned, physically challenged, male cows calves who have no economical use, ending up in meat shops if left on their own.
One of our relatives runs a grocery store. When he turned 60, he came up with the idea of celebrating it by feeding special meals to all the cows. It was the first time something on this scale was being planned. It involved a lot of preparation like sourcing large vessels, rice, fodder, jaggery to make sweet and nutritious meals. It also required hundreds of volunteers to pass the meal so that all cows are fed by lunchtime. With the support of enthusiastic relatives, the effort was a huge success. We all felt so much contentment!
This example became so popular that many have initiated such meal programs on special days at the Goshale. My uncle has constituted a task force of volunteers who come in to help on all days with such offerings
The cows are so used to the schedule now that you can hear them mooing as soon as the fire is lit to make the meals, which means you need to be quick in ensuring they are not left hungry for a long time
We once had an abandoned horse here which got attracted to our shiny water bottle, came running towards my mom and almost bit her! So be careful when you visit the shelter. Hunger, hormones and lack of free movement can bring out aggressiveness in some of them
Another time, we saw a young calf get tied up in its own thread and fall on the ground, close to its mom during a Godhana ceremony. It acted like it passed away but thankfully was revived by one of the workers after giving some water and comfort. It was back up, running again and giving cheer to so many who were watching it with bated breath
What you could do at a small level
It hurts to see some sick/ fractured cows here who are unable to move and need help from humans for almost everything. The workers here give their labor and heart for meagre wages, since funding is always tight. I feel any amount donated here is well spent. You can also donate to their account if you resonate with the cause. There is a small temple in the middle of a pond, which gives a peaceful and divine feeling to the work done here
We never leave out any opportunity to visit this place whenever we get invited to any ceremony, particularly on weekends. Reaching this place on public transport is a bit tough. We strongly feel this animal shelter is worth a detour if you are an animal lover and visiting South Canara with your own vehicle