Bhubaneswar: At the Gou Navratri Mahotsav in Puri, Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting Gou Mata and related resources, announcing stringent measures to safeguard them and remove illegal encroachments from grazing lands.
The Gou Navratri Mahotsav was organised by Guru Govind Gou Sevashram and the Odisha Gou Seva Samiti Hariharananda Gurukulam Puri.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the significant role of cows in India’s culture and traditions. Ancient scriptures state that 33 crore deities reside in the mother cow, and worshipping the cow is believed to please the gods, bringing blessings to society.
He underscored that cows have always been regarded with honour, akin to precious gems in ancient times. Cows, along with sacred entities such as the Ganga, the Gita, the Gayatri mantra, and the Guru, embody the essence of Bharatiya civilisation and culture. Scientific research also confirms the medicinal properties of cow milk, cow urine, and cow dung. To raise awareness about the importance of cows, the government is actively promoting the preservation and protection of this invaluable resource.
The event, part of the efforts to promote cow welfare, also serves as a call to action for greater societal awareness. Chief Minister Majhi noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cow protection is being prioritised at the national level, and the Odisha government is taking clear and decisive steps in alignment with this initiative. Laws will be strictly enforced to prevent the illegal occupation of grazing lands.
Additionally, Chief Minister Majhi announced the launch of the “Kamadhenu Scheme,” aimed at increasing milk production and enhancing dairy farming in the state. This scheme will support 2,000 beneficiaries with two cows each, provide subsidised feed to 20,000 dairy farmers, and offer insurance coverage for dairy cows. This initiative is expected to bolster the local dairy industry and ensure the economic well-being of farmers.
The state government has already established around 100 operational Goshala, where neglected cows are cared for and rehabilitated. These shelters are funded through a combination of government support and public contributions. The Chief Minister urged the citizens of Odisha to adopt cows and contribute to their care, emphasising that supporting cows is a collective responsibility.
In his remarks, Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Shri Gokulana Nanda Mallik stressed the deep spiritual and cultural connection Hindus have with Gou Mata. He stated that serving the cow brings blessings and fulfills the desires of devotees. The state government has taken significant steps to ensure the protection and welfare of cows, including financial assistance for cow shelters and feeding programmes.
Guru Paramhans Prajnanananda Maharaj, a prominent advocate for cow protection in Odisha, affirmed that the welfare of cows is closely linked to the health of the Earth. He reiterated that the Odisha Cow Service Committee remains committed to ensuring the safety and growth of the cow population in the state.
