— Vijay Khurana, Convenor, Rashtriya Gau Mahasangh
India has long regarded the cow as a symbol of faith, culture and tradition. But for Vijay Khurana, Convenor of the Rashtriya Gau Mahasangh, the importance of the cow goes far beyond spiritual sentiment. According to him, the cow has the capacity to become the strongest pillar of rural economy, sustainable agriculture and employment generation in India.
In this exclusive interview with Nilesh Shukla, Vijay Khurana speaks candidly about his mission, achievements and the path ahead.
Q & A INTERVIEW
Q: In which year and with what objective did you establish the Rashtriya Gau Mahasangh?
A: The Rashtriya Gau Mahasangh was founded in 2006 to bring together individuals and institutions working for the protection and development of cows under one platform. We have always maintained that cow protection is not merely an emotional or religious matter — it is a national responsibility that requires systematic policy and action.
Q: What was the core vision behind the establishment of the organization?
A: Our vision was based on two pillars — protection of cows and positioning cow-based products as a foundation of India’s economic growth. When people understand the economic value of cows, protection will naturally and sustainably follow.
Q: Recently the Rashtriya Gau Mahasangh organized the Swadeshi Rashtriya Gaudhan Conference. How was the response?
A: The response was extremely encouraging. Manufacturers of cow-based products, researchers and industry representatives showed deep interest. The general public too was eager to know how such products can become part of daily life. The conference strengthened our belief that the Gaudhan industry is ready for large-scale expansion.
Q: What are the key challenges in creating awareness about the cultural and economic importance of cows among society and the government?
A: Lack of awareness is the biggest challenge. Most people view cow protection only through the lens of religious sentiment, whereas its scientific and economic value remains underestimated. True awareness will help society and government see the subject in a holistic manner.
Q: The organization has demanded a national law on cows from the Government of India. Why is this necessary?
A: Different states have different laws. Rules and penalties for transportation, slaughter and illegal trade of cows vary widely, creating loopholes. A national law would ensure uniformity, effective enforcement and strict accountability — only then true cow protection will be possible.
Q: You have compiled cow-related laws of various states in the form of a book. What major gaps did you find?
A: Some states have strong laws while others have very loose or unclear provisions. This inconsistency gives rise to misinterpretation and misuse. A central law can eliminate these shortcomings and ambiguities.
Q: Have you officially presented your demand before the Narendra Modi-led BJP government? What has been the response so far?
A: Yes, we have formally placed our demand before the government and relevant ministries. We are hopeful because the present government understands the significance of India’s cultural ethos and rural development. We expect a positive outcome.
Q: You claim cow-based products can play a major role in India’s economy and employment generation. How?
A: Natural resources like dung and urine can become the foundation of medicines, organic fertilizers, energy production, organic farming, cosmetics, soaps and other eco-friendly industries. This will create large-scale employment in rural and tribal regions and introduce a sustainable economic model.
Q: Is the Rashtriya Gau Mahasangh planning to collaborate with other organizations to form a united movement?
A: Absolutely. Our aim is to bring cowsheds, NGOs, institutions, researchers and cow-serving volunteers together. A movement becomes powerful only when voices unite.
Q: What is your roadmap for the next five years?
A: We will focus on nationwide awareness campaigns, scientific research on cow-based products, training for youth and women, the expansion of Swadeshi Gaudhan Conferences and continuous advocacy for a national law. We want to transform cow protection into an economic, social and national movement.
Vijay Khurana’s approach marks a new direction in the national discourse on cow welfare — shifting it from a purely emotional movement to a model of economic empowerment, sustainable agriculture and policy transformation. Whether Parliament enacts a national law or not, the initiatives of the Rashtriya Gau Mahasangh have already opened new doors for policymaking, livelihood development and nationwide awareness.
The cow is not only a symbol of Indian faith — it is also a source of prosperity, stability and opportunity.
