In the name of cow protection and propagation and rearing, samvardhan many divine qualities of gau mata are highlighted. From various platforms the meaning and importance of gau mata in Bharatiya culture, also know as a manifestation of kamdhenu – ”from whom all that is desired is drawn” or “the cow of plenty” are often heard.
Suddenly many learned people and cow-worshippers are involved in this cause with all their might, just like many guru-swamis are engrossed in pravachans and kathas to save dharm.
Gau mata, without a doubt, is a priceless legacy of Bharat, and every learned, evolved and aware Bharatiya knows its importance well.
But can the problem of protecting the indigenous cow be solved by simply creating so many NGO’s, hunger fasts, protesting through dharnas and speeches from grand decorated podiums. To solve this problem, first we have to go to the root of the issue, which are the cow-herds and cow rearers. Their soul has to be awakened and gau-bhakti needs to be ignited in them.
Has anyone ever seen a buffalo roaming aimlessly on the streets getting mauled by traffic or eating garbage. Who lets the cows on the streets? Who sells them to butchers when they go dry or fall ill. Why are common people not ready to raise their voice in full force to protect the cow.
Cow milk is amrit – holy nectar in reality but is it available to all or for those who want it. If people are made to taste it in all purity, then the addiction to its taste and qualities will inspire many to stand up for it. Is it possible for people to be hooked to the taste of pure cow milk.
The cowherds do not hesitate to mix powdered or even artificially created soapy milk in it. Who will want to endanger their own health and that of their loved ones like this. Everyone considers packed milk coming from established dairys atleast hygienic and not so harmful to their health. Its quantity is also consistent. It must be extremely rare to come across someone who has not had an altercation or argument with the cowherd providing ‘fresh’ milk. For sure, those who claim to be involved in cow-rearing and herding, their families must be receiving pure fresh cow milk, along with the blessings of being gau-bhakts!
This is a very serious issue, and those involved in save the cow campaigns and movements should surely look into this aspect with all severity. The cowherds will have to be taught lessons in cleanliness, purity and integrity. Agreed, this is their profession and surely there will be some level of business involved, but it is ok to have a pinch of salt in food not vice versa.
Gau bhakti should start from gau-shalas, from the cow-herds themselves. Gau-ras, pure cow milk should be provided to all so that people experience its divine qualities firsthand, rather than harping about the importance of gau mata through discourses, speeches, seminars and discussions. Just like the meaning of scriptures remains limited to discourses, only a rare person tries to live these. Only that truth which is lived like Gandhi ji, becomes successful as a movement.
