Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Mar 13: The 'Panchagavya' which is prepared with the help of five products derived from Indian breeds of cows have unique potency and importance. But because of the fact that the people lay more emphasis on economic benefits, indigenous breeds of cows are slinking towards the oblivion. Heifer and Jersey breeds of cows are
given lot of importance.
For augmenting milk generation, cows are being cross-bred or treated with hormones. But 31 ancient Indian breeds of cows like Gir, Rati, Sahiwal, Malnad Gidda, Punganur etc are seen very rarely now-a-days. A cow shelter which introduces different breeds of Indian cows where various products derived from cows are being manufactured is functioning at Beejady near here. Its name is 'Kapile Gau Samruddhi Trust', which is located opposite Gopady Chikku Amma temple. It is run by K S Kanchan from Beejady.
Over 35 cows, bullocks and calves belonging to about five cattle breeds that are on the verge of extinction are being looked after at this facility. Cows, bulls and calves belonging to Gir, Rati, Sahiwal, Malnad Gidda and rare breeds of cows which boast of belonging to the lineage of the divine cow, Kapila, mentioned in epics, can be found here. The facility even has rare cows with raised shoulders and long horns. People who are conversant with Malnad Gidda breeds of cows are sure to confuse the high-shouldered, long-horned cows as bulls.
K S Kanchan from Beejady has studied computer diploma. He was involved with running computer centre, computer training etc at Chikkamagaluru since the last 25 years. He got interested in spirituality and eventually got interested in cow breeds. He dreamt of conserving indigenous breeds of cows and creating awareness about their importance at his native place. His dreams got a concrete shape three years back. He came back to his birthplace, Beejady, and began to run a cow shelter near his home. The cattle shed initially housed only seven Malnad Gidda cows. Now the shed has over 35 cattle.