Jaipur: A nationwide "Cow Respect Campaign" will be organised on July 27 demanding that the cow be declared the National Mother and seeking a complete ban on cow slaughter across the country. Devotees and supporters of cow protection will gather at district headquarters nationwide and submit signed memorandums addressed to the President, Prime Minister, Governors and Chief Ministers through District Collectors.
A preparatory meeting for the second phase of the campaign was held on Sunday at the Rajasthan office of the Bharatiya Gau Kranti Manch in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur. The meeting focused on planning the July 27 programme, public outreach and the signature campaign. It was decided to involve saints, social and religious organisations, gaushala operators and youth volunteers to expand the movement.
Addressing the meeting, Gau Rishi Prakash Das Maharaj said that the cow is not only a symbol of faith but also an integral part of India's agriculture, environment, natural farming and rural economy. He urged the Central Government to declare the cow as the National Mother and appealed to the Rajasthan Government to grant it the status of State Mother, besides enforcing a nationwide ban on cow slaughter.
The memorandum will demand that the cow be declared the National Mother, a complete nationwide ban on cow slaughter, strict action against cattle smuggling, a comprehensive national policy for the protection of stray cattle, establishment of modern gaushalas in every district, promotion of cow-based natural farming and strict enforcement of cow protection laws.
Meanwhile, thousands of devotees extended their support to the ongoing signature campaign at the Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur by signing the memorandum and pledging to participate in the nationwide campaign on July 27.