On Monday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed Govardhan Puja at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. During the ceremony, he highlighted that over 16 lakh stray cattle are currently being sheltered in more than 7,700 gaushalas across the state. The rituals took place in the temple’s cowshed, accompanied by Vedic chants. Adityanath applied tilak on the foreheads of the cows, adorned them with garlands, and offered them jaggery and bananas, as stated in an official release.

Government Initiatives for Cow Protection

Following the rituals, Adityanath addressed reporters and detailed the state government’s initiatives aimed at cow protection and promotion. He mentioned three specific schemes designed to support destitute cattle. The first scheme focuses on operating shelters for these animals. The second initiative, known as the Sahbhagita scheme, provides farmers who care for cows from these shelters with ₹1,500 per cow each month, allowing them to take care of up to four cows and receive a maximum of ₹6,000 monthly.

The third scheme aims to assist undernourished families by providing them with a lactating cow from the shelters, along with ₹1,500 monthly for its maintenance. Adityanath noted that the Animal Husbandry Department manages cow shelters in rural areas, while the Urban Development Department oversees them as Kanha Upvan facilities in urban settings. He emphasised that the primary goal of these initiatives is to ensure that cows are not left unattended on roads, which could lead to damage to farmers’ crops.

Adityanath described cows as the “soul of an agriculture- and cattle-based country like India.” He encouraged the public to uphold the tradition of setting aside the first morsel of food for cows and the last for dogs. Furthermore, he appealed to individuals who are unable to rear cattle to consider contributing to charitable gaushalas.

Community Engagement and Grievance Redressal

In addition to the puja, the Chief Minister conducted a ‘Janata Darshan’ at the temple premises, where he listened to the grievances of 125 individuals. He personally interacted with the complainants, collected their applications, and instructed officials to ensure a prompt and fair resolution of their issues. Adityanath assured the attendees that the government would take effective action on every concern raised.

Some individuals sought financial assistance for medical treatment during the session. The Chief Minister responded by stating, “No one’s treatment will be allowed to stop due to lack of funds.” He directed officials to prepare medical estimates swiftly so that financial aid could be disbursed without delay. This commitment reflects the government’s intention to address health-related financial barriers faced by the community.

The Govardhan Puja, rooted in mythology, commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Braj from heavy rains sent by Lord Indra. The festival celebrates nature, agriculture, cattle, and the interconnectedness between humans and the environment. Adityanath’s actions during the event underscore the government’s focus on both cultural traditions and community welfare.

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