On the holy occasion of Guru Purnima, the first harvesting of Napier grass cultivated for the goshala (cow shelter) at Shrikhetra Tapobhoomi was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. Cultivated under the Napier Grass Scheme of the Government of Goa, the plantation on the Tapobhoomi premises flourished in just a month and a half. Now, nutritious green fodder for the Gomata (revered cows) at the shelter will be available right on the Tapobhoomi campus.
Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Awardee Dharmabhushan Pujya Sadguru Brahmeshanandacharya Swamiji highlighted the interconnectedness of cattle conservation, agriculture, and Indian culture. He said:
“Earlier, feed for the cows at Tapobhoomi Goshala had to be sourced from outside. However, thanks to the Goa Government’s scheme, nutritious green fodder is now produced right at Tapobhoomi. It is a matter of great joy that the harvesting of this Napier grass is being launched by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on the auspicious day of Guru Purnima.”
“Goa is the land of Gomata. Taking care of and conserving cows is our highest duty. The Goa Government has implemented various schemes for cattle conservation, and all Goans should take advantage of them,” Pujya Swamiji added.
Explaining the importance of the tradition of sages (Rishi) and agriculture (Krishi) in Indian culture, Pujya Swamiji remarked, “India is a country of sages and farmers. Sages provided the vision for conserving this land, and when that vision receives positive cooperation from the government, India’s overall progress will surely gain new momentum.”
Appreciating the initiative of Shri Datta Padmanabh Peeth, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated, “With the blessings of Pujya Sadguru Brahmeshanandacharya Swamiji, Shri Datta Padmanabh Peeth resolved to cultivate Napier grass, starting right from the Tapobhoomi Goshala. Under the leadership of Gurumata Brahmidevi, the crop bloomed in just a month and a half, and I consider myself fortunate to inaugurate its first harvest.”
The Chief Minister congratulated the 500 farmers associated with Shri Datta Padmanabh Peeth who have resolved to cultivate Napier grass. “Shri Datta Padmanabh Peeth has set an example for producing the green fodder required for cows. Drawing inspiration from this, cow lovers and farmers across Goa should cultivate Napier grass on a large scale. The Goa Government will extend all necessary support for such initiatives,” Chief Minister Dr. Sawant affirmed.
This initiative at Tapobhoomi not only ensures the local availability of green fodder for the shelter but also sets a model of self-reliant cattle conservation for farmers and cattle rearers across the state. The event on the holy occasion of Guru Purnima offered a unique confluence of spirituality, agriculture, and cow conservation.