Yogi Adityanath Performs Govardhan Puja; Calls Cow the Soul of India
UP CM Yogi Adityanath performs Govardhan Puja, emphasizing cow protection and detailing government schemes for destitute cattle welfare.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath observed Yogi Adityanath Govardhan Puja in Gorakhpur on Monday, using the auspicious occasion to underscore the profound spiritual and economic significance of cow protection and welfare in Indian society.
During the celebrations, the Chief Minister described the cow as the very soul of India, a nation deeply anchored in agricultural heritage and the wisdom of ancient sages. He emphasized that the cow is far more than just an animal, calling it an invaluable gift and a "treasure trove of prosperity" for the world.
"In any tradition where sincere efforts are made toward the protection and nurturing of cows, happiness and prosperity will naturally follow," the Chief Minister stated following the worship ceremony.
A Massive Network for Cattle Welfare
Highlighting the state's commitment to animal welfare, CM Yogi Adityanath revealed the scale of the infrastructure built to protect destitute cattle. He noted that the Uttar Pradesh government has established over 7,700 cow shelters across the state, which currently provide refuge to more than 16 lakh destitute animals.
The Chief Minister explained that these initiatives are designed to solve a dual problem: ensuring that animals are not left to roam the streets or destroy the hard-earned crops of farmers, while simultaneously providing them with a safe and nurturing environment.
Three Key Schemes for Cow Protection
To sustain these efforts, the Chief Minister outlined three distinct government schemes aimed at the care and maintenance of cattle:
- Government-Operated Shelters: The primary system where the state directly manages shelters for destitute cattle.
- Sahbhagita Yojana: An innovative partnership scheme where farmers can adopt a cow from a government shelter. To support the farmer, the government provides a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 per cow. A single farmer can care for up to four cows, potentially earning an additional monthly income of Rs 6,000.
- Nutrition Support Scheme: In a move to combat malnutrition, the government provides lactating cows from shelters to families struggling with nutritional deficiencies. This ensures the family has a steady supply of milk, and the state provides a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 per cow to assist with its upkeep.
By integrating religious tradition with social welfare and agricultural support, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state's objective remains the holistic protection of cattle and the prosperity of the rural community.