Cow protection will become a mass movement only through public participation: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sahay

Cow protection will become a mass movement only through public participation: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sahay launched the 'My Family Gaura Family' campaign and honored the meritorious students of the Cow Science Examination. Participation of more than 1.64 lakh students is cited as a positive sign of Indian culture and scientific thinking in the new generation. The Surabhi Gaudhama scheme, increased assistance to gaushalas and dairy development will give new expansion to cow rearing. Raipur, Mother Cow is the foundation of Indian culture, rural economy, organic agriculture and environmental protection. Cow protection is a shared responsibility of society. When every family takes a pledge for cow service and protection, only then can this campaign take the form of a mass movement. Chief Minister Shri Sahay said this today while addressing the Cow Service Sangam and Cow Science Examination award distribution ceremony held at the Farmers' Hall of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in the capital Raipur. On this occasion he launched the statewide 'My Family Gaura Family' campaign and unveiled the poster of the tree planting campaign for environmental protection. The Chief Minister also honored and awarded students who performed excellently in the Cow Science Examination. A beautiful synergy of Indian culture and scientific vision in the new generation. The Chief Minister said that Mother Cow is not only a matter of religious faith but also a crucial link in agriculture, health, environment and rural prosperity. He said that the Cow Science Examination, organized to develop children's understanding of the scientific, social and cultural importance of cows, is a highly commendable initiative. He expressed pleasure that more than 1 lakh 64 thousand students from schools and colleges in the state participated in the examination this year. Such large youth participation shows that the new generation is becoming aware of Indian culture, life values and nature conservation. The Chief Minister congratulated all participants and said they will become effective ambassadors of cow protection and promotion in society. Sustainable foundation for cow protection through public participation. Chief Minister Shri Sahay said active participation of every citizen is essential to achieve the objectives of cow protection. He urged students to make their families and people around them aware of cow service and protection and to spread the campaign house to house. Invitation feast initiatives as examples of social participation. The Chief Minister said innovative initiatives such as school entry festivals and invitation feasts are being conducted with the new academic session. Traditions of serving meals to children on birthdays, wedding anniversaries or parents' death anniversaries strengthen the emotional bond between society and schools, provide extra nutrition to children and increase community participation. Cow dung based products becoming a new means of employment. The Chief Minister said that milk, curd, dung and urine obtained from cows are useful for human life. Today many products are being prepared from dung, providing new opportunities for self‑employment and rural entrepreneurship. He said the government will also arrange for the manufacture and training of dung and urine based products, making cow rearing a strong source of income. Effective government steps for cow protection. The Chief Minister said the state government is continuously working for cow protection and promotion. The assistance amount for feed per cow in registered gaushalas has been increased from Rs 20 to Rs 35 per day. Through the Surabhi Gaudhama scheme, modern gaushalas equipped with facilities are being developed, where veterinarians, herders and other necessary arrangements are provided. New chapter of dairy development in Bastar. The Chief Minister said that with the end of Naxalism in the Bastar region, a new phase of development has begun. A plan to provide indigenous cows with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has been started to promote agriculture and livestock based livelihoods. He said this plan has led to a notable increase in milk production in the state. The government is considering extending the benefit of this plan to other interested livestock farmers, especially people of the Yadav community, to further strengthen the dairy sector. New generation connecting with culture and values through cow service: School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav. The School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav said that through the Cow Science Examination thousands of children have understood the importance of Mother Cow. This initiative will become an effective medium to connect the new generation with Indian culture and life values. He said the state government is developing cow sanctuaries where sufficient fodder and necessary facilities will be provided for the cattle herd. Promoting the production of pure milk from indigenous cows will strengthen economic self‑reliance as well as public health. Introducing Indian knowledge tradition through the Cow Science Examination. The All‑India Coordinator of the cow service activity Shri Ajit Mahapatra said that the Cow Science Examination is becoming an effective medium to link students with the scientific importance of cows and Indian knowledge tradition, fostering respect for cultural heritage alongside scientific outlook. Honouring the winners of the Cow Science Examination. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sahay honoured the winners of the three categories of the Cow Science Examination. First place winners received Rs 51,000, second place Rs 31,000 and third place Rs 11,000. The Chief Minister congratulated all winners and said this examination is a significant step towards developing scientific thinking, respect for Indian traditions and a sense of responsibility towards society among students. On this occasion, the Vice‑President of the Chhattisgarh State Cow Service Commission Shri Rajiv Lochan Ji Maharaj, the Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Education Commission Shri Sudhir Gautam, Shri Chandrashekhar Devangan, Shri Atmabodh Agarwal, Shri Manoj Pandey, Shri Gopal Yadav and other officials of the Chhattisgarh State Cow Protection and Promotion Committee, participants of the Cow Science Examination from across the state and a large number of dignitaries were present.