TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to improve the indigenous breeds of cow as part of its cow protection campaign. The TTD and its affiliated temples across Andhra Pradesh celebrated “cow protection day” on Saturday to mark Kanuma, the last day of the three-day harvest festival of Sankranti.
Gau Pooja was held at Sri Venkateswara Gau Samrakshanasala in Tirupati on the occasion.Schoolchildren took part in cultural shows at the Goshala.
Stating that the TTD is committed to protect the cow, executive officer D Sambasiva Rao said the Devasthanams will work on the enhancement of the indigenous breeds through its Goshalas across the state. “Our desi breeds including Ongole, Halika and Gir are known for their healthy milch products. Even the non-productive cows are helpful to the dairy farmers with their “panchagavya” products,” he said. Disease resistance will be improved in the local breeds.
Earlier, TTD chairman Ch Krishnamurthy said cow is not only a sacred animal but also revered as “Gomata”. “The TTD being the custodian of Hindu Sanatana Dharma is committed to protect cow,” he said.
The TTD held special prayers to decorated `desi’ cow and calf, elephants and horses on the Goshala premises after performing puja to the presiding deity , Lord Sri Venugopala Swamy .
Addressing a large gathering, Krishnamurthy said India has been built and progressing on the Vedic Dharma.
“Even today the base of our development and root is Vedas alone. These sacred texts taught us that cow is not an animal but “Mother of All” as it feeds and keeps us healthy with its milk,” he added. The TTD celebrated the event at 300 Goshalas in AP and Telangana.