At Spiritual Nectar of Wisdom (SNOW), we embrace the profound responsibility for the welfare of all living beings, guided by the deep-rooted Indian ethos of compassion and harmonious coexistence. For millennia, humans and animals in India have shared a sacred bond, caring for one another. It is with deep concern, therefore, that we observe the increasing instances of physical violence, emotional abuse, and life-threatening neglect faced by animals, particularly in urban areas and on farms.
In Hinduism, cows are revered as sacred, embodying motherhood, abundance, and divine nourishment, often referred to as "Gau Mata." This reverence is encapsulated in the Sanskrit saying: 'यत्र गाव: प्रसन्नाः स्युः प्रसन्नास्तत्र सम्पदः । यत्र गावो विषण्णाः स्युर्विषण्णास्तत्र सम्पदः ॥' This translates to: 'Where Cows Are Happy, Prosperity Is There. Where Cows Are In Grief, Adversity Is There.'
This profound cultural sensitivity underscores their religious significance, connecting them to God like Krishna and the concept of the nurturing Mother Goddess. Milk and dung, products of the cow, are fundamental to many religious rituals, and major Hindu texts like the Vedas and Puranas emphasize deep respect for bovines.
Despite this esteemed status, India faces a staggering challenge: over 5 million stray cattle (as per January 2020 livestock census data) grapple with widespread abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Gaushalas emerge as pivotal institutions in addressing this incongruity, offering a sanctuary for neglected bovines.
SNOW actively supports these efforts, aligning with Article 51A (g) of The Constitution of India, which mandates every citizen's duty to protect and improve the natural environment and to have compassion for living creatures. Our work upholds the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 (PCA) by preventing unnecessary pain and suffering related to the slaughter and abandonment of bovine animals.
SNOW's Dedication to Gau Seva (Service to Cows): Over the years, SNOW has consistently worked for the benefits of 'Mother Cow' and provides all necessary support to nearby Gaushalas. Our efforts include:
Seasonal Comfort: Supplying essential items like coolers during scorching summers and warm materials during harsh winters to ensure their comfort.
Sustainable Support: Helping Gaushalas sustain their noble efforts by purchasing milk-giving cows and handing them over, providing a continuous source of sustenance for the shelters.
Healthcare & Nutrition: Arranging for regular veterinary care, administering quality medicines when needed, and ensuring they are fed a nutritious mixture of fodder, including wheat, mustard cake, green grass, bhusa (husk), and jaggery, along with ample fresh water. We also ensure they have open land to move around freely.
With every tiny effort, our emphasis remains unwavering: to help and protect Mother Cows, ensuring they live a life of dignity and care, as they truly deserve.