Every single one of us in India has seen at least one cow suffering in the streets or abandoned. They suffer silently, unable to ask for help. People don’t hear their cries so most people look away.
In 2008, a cow met with a tragic accident on the highway. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and an order was passed to collect all stray cows and bring them to our shelter, for protection.
At that point, Sri Etteluthu Perumal Ghosalai, our sanctuary for cows, had been around for 4 years, having been founded in 2004. For the past 20 years, this temple gaushala has been dedicated to the noble cause of cow protection, or as we call it Gau Samrakshanam.
In the beginning, we had very little. People would bring their frail, old and sick cows to us, and we welcomed them with open arms. We were just thankful that people were choosing compassion over slaughterhouses. We started asking devotees to do Gaudan, the most sacred form of charity, to support our mission.
Today, we care for over 900 cows, bulls, and calves. This place is like an old age home for cows. However, 90% of our cows are unyielding, which means we don't get much milk from them. This means we have no stable resource to keep funding their care.
Our cows are more than just animals; they are beings with emotions and needs. We worship them. They deserve love, care, and dignity in their old age. That’s why we:
- make sure the cows are fed with a proper diet consisting of various types of fodder which help them regain their health
- give the animals the best care possible, to help them heal from any injuries or illnesses
- aim to show the world how the protection of cows and preservation of the environment are interlinked
Our biggest challenges are meeting their basic needs. We need 25 to 30 thousand rupees worth of dry fodder daily. With their rising prices and limited support, we are struggling to feed our cows.
Another huge challenge is shelter. Our numbers keep growing, but we lack the funds to build proper roofs and amenities. We are thankful for the generosity of people who have given us their land, but we still need resources to construct suitable shelters.
Our volunteers are the backbone of this Gaushala. They work tirelessly, often without adequate salaries, to ensure our cows are cared for. Over the years, they have even learned to treat basic illnesses and wounds, showing immense dedication.
We’re reaching out to ask for help today. Your support can make a difference in the lives of these cows. By contributing, you can help us provide fodder, build shelters, and continue our mission of Gau Samrakshanam. Every bit of help, big or small, is a step towards giving these cows a dignified life.
Join us in this noble cause. Help Sri Etteluthu Perumal Ghosalai continue its journey of compassion and care. Together, we can make this the best old age home for cows.
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