MAHAVEERA GOSHALA NURTURES AGED CATTLE
SHIMOGA: Sun dawns the world with his light and man begins his day with delicious bed coffee. From dawn to dusk the rich products of milk serve people. Mostly milk is the most sought liquid by man after water.

But yet, after enjoying all the benefits from cattle, he sends them directly or indirectly to slaughter houses. This reflects his callousness. But there are organisations which look after old cattle. One of them is Sri Mahaveera Jain Seva Trust, a registered institution in Shimoga. It has established Sri Mahaveera Goshala, where they protect and nurture abandoned and aged cattle.

These cattle are usually handed over by the police. When they seize cattle while being transported to slaughter houses, they shift cattle over to this Goshala after legalising the seizure. Goshala is run under provisions of Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act -1964, Karnataka Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act -1959, Wild Life Protection Act -1972 and other similar Acts.

This Goshala was started on January 23, 2004 in a sprawling 27 acres of land located adjacent Tunga river in Vidyanagar. Trust calls this area as Ahimsa Nagar to symbolise the principle of non-violence adopted in this premises. City Municipality had given this land on lease. Presently there are 33 cows, 28 bullocks, 40 oxen and calves, 10 buffaloes 3 pigeons, a dog and a lamb. In 25 acres of land maize and coconut are grown. Raw maize is used as fodder for cattle along with dry grass, oilcake. Dr Ramamurthy, veterinarian, regularly visits Goshala to suggest food quantity and to check-up health of livestock here.

"Our objective is to rescue animals from the cruel hands of butchers and protect them here," says secretory of Goshala, Prakash. Many donors contributed for this service. But Trust has not applied to Government seeking financial assistance. Farmers who have difficulties in rearing cattle may send them here. Public can join their hands for this auspicious service by supporting the Trust in all possible ways and make the world Paradise of Peace as Jain saint Mahaveer said. There are several gaushalas in Rajasthan also which provide shelter to animals and protect them from getting buthered. In your town, you can also contribute for this service. Contact address: Goshala Kendra, Sri Mahaveera Goshala, Ahimsa Nagar, Banks of river Tunga, Vidya Nagar, Shimoga-577203. Ph 241757.