Thousands protest cow slaughter

[Rammohan G]

Thousands Protest Cow Slaughter on Streets of Hyderabad

From www.iskconnews.com

By Rajarama Dasa on 19 Dec 2009

Image: eng.gougram.org
Currently in India Cow slaughter is banned except in two states: the states
of West Bengal and Kerala.On November 15th, 2009, the streets of Hyderabad
were painted with saffron color when thousands of devotees of Mother Cow
took to the streets demanding a total ban on cow slaughter and a declaration
that the cow be named as India's national animal.

The massive Vehicle Rally was headed by Bhakti Raghava Swami, who was
recently appointed the Minister for ISKCON's Varnashrama-based Rural
Development Ministry in India.

Speaking on the occasion to newspaper reporters just before the start of the
rally, Swami stated that unless and until people realize the importance of
cow protection and make a collective effort to protect the cows, we should
not expect peace and prosperity in today's troubled world. He went on to
explain that the welfare of a nation begins with the welfare of her cows.

Quoting from the Bhagavad-gita, he reminded those present that Lord Krishna
descends from time to time to punish the miscreants, to give protection to
His devotees and to re-establish the principles of dharma. Bhakti Raghava
Swami said that as devotees of Lord Krishna it is our fundamental duty to
strive for cow protection. He concluded by stating that Srila Prabhupada,
the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness,
ISKCON, introduced the noble service of cow protection not only in India but
also in the western world where beef has become the staple diet.

The TV and Print media of Andhra Pradesh covered the rally very extensively
thereby taking the message of Cow Protection to millions of viewers.

The rally started from Marredpally, passing through the main streets of
Secunderabad and Hyderabad with about 100 motorcycles, 25 cars, 5 buses and
6 mass transport vehicles, along with hundreds of people wearing attractive
T-shirts depicting a beautiful picture of our Mother Cow and a declaration
stating "I will protect Mother Cow."

Devotees, Youth, Women, Children, Environmentalist and Animal rights
activists participated in the rally enthusiastically.

Later in the evening, Bhakti Raghava Swami attended a mammoth public meeting
of "Vishwa Mangala Gou Grama Yatra" where about 10,000 people had gathered.
Swami shared the dais with Raghaveshwara Bharati, who is leading the 108 day
Ratha Yatra across India. Addressing the public meeting, Swami congratulated
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati for taking up this program and stated that the
Vishwa Mangala Gou Grama Yatra is aptly named because cow protection is
meant for the welfare of the entire universe (Vishwa Mangala).

He stressed that only when cows are protected and our villages safe and
taken care of can there be real happiness and harmony in this world. Bhakti
Raghava Swami reiterated the 3 Point Formula of Land, Cows & Krishna as the
only solution to all the problems mankind is undergoing today.

One of the objectives of the yatra is to solicit signatures totaling 21
crores or 210 million from those caring for our Mother Cow calling for a
total ban on cow slaughter in India. The signature campaign ends in January
2009. To show solidarity for protecting our Mother Cow who is the
fundamental pillar of dharma, you can participate in this herculean endeavor
by signing online at the official website of the organizers,
www.gougram.org.

Direct link:
http://eng.gougram.org/signature-campaign-for-the-welfare-of-indian-cows/
(Text PAMHO:18757020) --------------------------------------