The Asiatic lion is a subspecies of lions that can only be found in Gujarat. The population of the lion, which is currently protected by the enclosure of the Gir forest, was once at the brink of extinction. The Gujarat government has now, after having stabilised the population of the lion, decided to focus their efforts on cow tourism. Though the cow species, or commonly known cattle, are not an endangered species, they suffer an endless amount of cruelty at the hands of humans. Cows are a source of milk, cheese and other dairy products. They are also raised for meat or materials such as leather hide.
How the Asiatic lion became the pride of Gujarat
In 1995, the Asiatic lion population was at its lowest, at only three hundred and four. Though initially, the lions roamed freely across northern India and the Bay of Bengal, their population encumbered a drastic decrease due to poaching. Due to this, the subspecies of lions can now only be found in Gujarat.
Realising that the species was close to extinction, the Asiatic lions were categorised as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list in 2000. This alerted the government of Gujarat and set forward the motion to protect these lions from extinction. The government established the Gir wildlife sanctuary to provide the lions with habitat to protect them from poaching. In 1965, it became the first protected area (pa). Currently, this sanctuary has expanded into five pas, that provides more than one thousand five hundred square kilometres of protected sanctuary area for the lions. Once, the habitat of the lion was preserved, there was a steady increase in the number of Asiatic lions in Gujarat, now at the last recorded high of six hundred and fifty.
To conclude, the project to protect the asiatic lions had proved to be successful. This shows that the government of gujarat has the ability to help control and protect the parameters to support its wildlife. On somewhat similar lines, a project to protect cows can also be seen to be fruitful for the country.
Why do cows need protection or promotion?
India, since 1998, has been the world’s highest milk-producing nation. Hence, the largest herd of cattle also resides in India, leading to their count of almost three hundred and twenty-four million. Yet, there are only a few workers present to attend to the livelihood of the animal. “Due to poor equipment and a lack of proper training, artificially inseminated cows sometimes become infertile and develop infections with few to care for them,” said Arpan Sharma, an In-charge at the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations. Most cows are separated from their calves so as to not affect the amount of milk production. Male calves, on the other hand, are left to die or are used for meat and leather. This cruelty towards the animal takes place due to lack of facilities, education and empathy towards the animals. Most caretakers are over-worked or underpaid, and this results in their cruel behaviour towards the creature.
The cow as an animal is well known and may need no more promotion, but the welfare of the cow is another matter. The Gau Seva Ayog, the cow service commission in Gujarat state, started this project with the idea of promoting an ideal shelter for cattle as well as the resources that must be provided. A two-day trip in support of cow tourism has been proposed where visitors will be able to explore the lives of the cows, their environment, similar to that of a lion. The trip is also to reprimand the abominable, dark and cramped shelters the animal is forced to live in. It would help warn the public about animal cruelty and educate caretakers about the maintenance of the cattle. For this, the state would be giving a tour of its best animal shelters and grazing spots provided to the cattle.
Considering the religious and economic factors
In Hinduism, cows are associated with the symbol of life. They are seen as animals that provide sacred gifts such as ghee and milk, hence also regarded as selfless providers. Through her tolerant nature, the cow represents Mahatma Gandhi’s virtue of ahimsa (non-violence) while partaking in the act of giving. All these reasons cumulate to making the cow a holy animal. The ghee and milk provided are treated as treasures. Yet, the cow, in reality, does not live the life a sacred animal would deserve or expect. Without proper shelter, nourishment or medical attention, it is incredibly disrespected and used.
In states like Madhya Pradesh where the cow slaughter is illegal, cows are either are made to suffer to their death, or the business of trafficking is given a boost.
The economic aspect
“Most people are unaware that we can earn good money by preparing products such as biogas and medicines from cow dung and urine,” said the chairman of the Gau Seva Ayog. He also stated that a cow’s urine can be used in soaps and the making of phenyl due to its disinfectant and medicinal properties. Cow dung can also be used as a raw material for fertilisers, biogas and incense sticks. Later he added that “under this project, we arrange a two-day tour of the shelters doing a commendable job in not only keeping the cows in good condition but also making money by preparing cow dung and urine-based products”.
Most shelters are unaware of these uses and thus are not able to generate as much profit from the cattle. This profit could in turn help in the upgrading of the shelters or provide nourishment for the cow. This two-day trip covers all such aspects. It spreads awareness about multiple other ways of earning a profit without harming the livelihood of the animal. With the knowledge of these methods, the cow would improve its state of living and the treatment of cattle around India.
In conclusion, this promotion of the cow is not without a cause. It is not merely a promotion of the animal itself, but of its way of life. It is also a way to educate people of the various beneficial products of the cow, and help them understand first hand on how to make this profit. With the profit, the state of living of the animal can be improved, helping the nation develop as a whole.
