Rama Jois, former Governor of Bihar and Jharkhand, said on Wednesday that cow slaughter should be banned in the country.
Mr. Jois was speaking at the valedictory of the four-day “Go-Sammelan”, a conference on cows, organised by the Paryaya Kaniyur Mutt at Rajangana, here.
Mr. Jois said that it was unfortunate that although the country got its Independence in 1947, cow slaughter had not been banned yet. The country could be said to have achieved Independence only after imposing a ban on cow slaughter, he said.
He said that he was confident that a day would come when cow slaughter would be banned in all the States. Cow slaughter had not been banned in the country because of political reasons. The cow should be made the national animal of the country. A change in public opinion about cows was essential, Mr. Jois said.
The conference passed a few resolutions during its conclusion. They are: Cow slaughter should be banned in the country. The cow should be declared a national animal.
“Go-shalas” or cow shelters should be opened in all pilgrim centres. Indigenous and local breeds of cows should be protected and promoted. People not owning cows should save a portion of their earnings and donate it to “go-shalas” for the upkeep of cows. Vidyavallabha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Kaniyur Mutt, Subudhendra Tirtha Swami of Guru Raghavendra Mutt, Mantralayam, Shivananda Saraswati Swami of Kaivalya Mutt, and Raghupati Bhat, former MLA, were present.
