Moodbidri: A signature campaign demanding a complete ban on cow slaughter across India was held at Alangaru on Monday, with organisers urging the government to accord cows the status of ‘Rashtra Mata’ (Mother of the Nation) and grant them national sacred status.
The campaign was led by Ashok Bhandari, coordinator of Moodbidri Gau Seva and representative of Amrutha Organic Store, Alangaru. The initiative sought public support for a series of measures aimed at strengthening legal protection and welfare mechanisms for cows across the country.
Campaign held at cooperative society
As part of the campaign, the organising team visited the Padumarnadu Janata Multipurpose Cooperative Society at Alangaru. The team met the society’s president, office-bearers, directors and staff and sought their support for the signature campaign.
The signature collection drive was subsequently initiated at the cooperative society, allowing members and others associated with the institution to express their support for the demands put forward by the organisers.
The campaign focused on the demand for a comprehensive national framework for cow protection. Organisers called for cows to be accorded the status of a national heritage animal in addition to being recognised as a sacred animal at the national level.
Demand for central cow protection law
One of the principal demands raised during the campaign was the introduction of a central law for cow protection. The organisers sought uniform legal provisions across the country to address issues relating to the protection and welfare of cows.
The campaign also called for the establishment of a dedicated Union ministry for cow welfare. According to the organisers, a separate ministry could focus on policies concerning cattle welfare, conservation of indigenous breeds, fodder availability and related agricultural practices.
Another demand was for the government to finalise a fodder security policy. The organisers stressed the importance of ensuring adequate fodder availability as part of long-term measures for cattle welfare.
Focus on cow-based agriculture
The campaign also highlighted cow-based agriculture and called for greater promotion of farming practices associated with indigenous cattle breeds.
The organisers sought measures to encourage farmers to adopt cow-based agricultural practices and strengthen awareness about their use in farming and allied activities.
Another demand focused on increasing the production and marketing of Panchagavya products derived from indigenous cattle breeds. Panchagavya traditionally refers to products prepared using five cow-derived substances. The organisers called for greater support for such products as part of efforts to promote indigenous cattle breeds and cow-based activities.
Office-bearers extend support
During the visit to the Padumarnadu Janata Multipurpose Cooperative Society, president M Dayananda Pai, director Usha D Pai, vice-president Rajesh Kamath, secretary Umavathi and other directors were present.
Ashok Bhandari led the team that organised the signature campaign at Alangaru.
The campaign forms part of the organisers’ efforts to gather public support for their demands, including a nationwide ban on cow slaughter, national recognition for cows, a central cow protection law and stronger institutional measures for cattle welfare.