Udupi : The Pejawar Mutt Seer Vishwesha Theertha Swami said that people should take a decision to safeguard the livestock treasure of the country, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion.

Speaking after inaugurating four-day mega cattle convention, ‘Gau Sammelan,’ at Rajangana, he said the sacred ancient culture of the nation, advocates respect for the cattle.

The seer added that people should stop killing the cattle and respect the animals for their sacredness and also for the benefits that humans get from them.

He said there was a need to create awareness among the people with regard to the importance of cows.

Asserting that farmers and cattle are the backbone of the nation’s progress, the seer said that organic farming, which was extensively practiced prior to 1960s, was indeed beneficial in terms of value addition to the lives of the cattle.

The cow dung was the main component of the organic farming. The importance of organic farming has been once again realised by the people now. There is need for rearing more and more indigenous cattle breeds, he stressed. He also urged the governments to take interest in protecting the cows, he added.

The seer said lakhs of cows were being slaughtered in India. The seer also questioned the silence of those people who raised their voice for the right to life of every insect and creature, but opt to be insensitive with regard to the killing of cows.

The cow is revered as Mother Goddess among Indians and no one dares to speak to conserve the cattle treasure, which is a big irony. The seer added that the Constitution of India itself mentions about the protection given to the cattle.

Paryaya Kaniyur Mutt Seer Vidyavallabhatheertha Swami said the programme should not be misunderstood by the people. He added the main purpose of the programme was to conserve the cattle treasure.

Krishnapura Mutt Seer Sri Vidyasagaratheertha Swami opined that at least each household should have a cattle. There used to be a ‘Gomala’ (grazing land) in every village in India, he added.