Lucknow: More than 7,500 cattle protection centres across Uttar Pradesh are set to be illuminated during Diwali under the state government’s ‘Ek Diya Gomata Ke Naam’ (One Lamp for Gau Mata) campaign, aimed at promoting cattle protection, community participation and rural self-reliance.
The initiative, led by the Yogi Adityanath government, will combine Diwali celebrations at cattle shelters with efforts to promote cow-based products and create additional income opportunities for rural women and farmers.
Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Dharmpal Singh said the government was focusing on strengthening the rural economy by encouraging the production and sale of products made by self-help groups. Women associated with these groups will set up stalls at cattle shelters to showcase cow-based products and items made from them. Special gift products will also be promoted during the festive season to encourage their purchase.
Diwali celebrations at cattle shelters
Special programmes will be organised at gaushalas and shelters for destitute cattle, with an emphasis on involving local villagers. The celebrations are intended to spread awareness about cattle protection and encourage greater public participation in the care of abandoned and destitute cattle.
The government also aims to develop these shelters as centres of community engagement and awareness, rather than limiting their role to providing refuge for cattle.
Shyam Bihari Gupta, chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Gau Seva Commission, said promoting cow-based products through self-help groups could improve rural women’s earnings by providing them with opportunities to market products made through their skills and efforts.
The campaign will also focus on educating women and young people about cattle protection and the potential uses of cow-based products. Organisers hope that increased awareness and festive-season demand will encourage production and sales, creating opportunities for rural communities.
Through the ‘Ek Diya Gomata Ke Naam’ campaign, the state government aims to connect Diwali celebrations with cattle welfare, social participation and rural economic development. The initiative seeks to encourage people to contribute to cattle protection while supporting self-help groups and strengthening livelihoods in villages.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
