Maharastra Gives Green Signal to Home-Schooling, Launches New Board! Get Details Here

https://www.thebetterindia.com/169437/maharastra-home-schooling-board-education-india/

Can you imagine a school without a big building, children running around a playground, classrooms, notes scribbled on the blackboard?

Growing up, the school is a second home for most of us, where the teacher dons the role of a second parent. But what if a student did not leave the first home for the second and was taught by her biological parents?

Homeschooling is a less explored concept in India, but it has a growing interest, nevertheless.

In this regard, the Maharashtra government on January 10, 2019, launched ‘Open SSC board’, an initiative that encourages students to pursue schooling from home.

One of the key reasons for this initiative is to encourage and empower young athletes and artists, who spend considerable time in practice and tournaments and because of this, are unable to pursue formal schooling.

State Education and Sports Minister Vinod Tawde, said in a report published by The Indian Express, “At the age of 10, you can appear for class 5 exam, at the age of 13 for class 8 exam, and as a 15-year-old for class 10 (SSC) exam.”

Many students quit their passions when they enter classes 9 and 10 since they are unable to juggle their academic requirements and rigorous schedules. This initiative will help in changing that since students will now have more flexibility.

Eastern India’s first “International Vedic Pathashala” inaugurated by Yogrishi Swami Ramdevji Maharaj

http://www.thetimesofbengal.com/eastern-indias-first-international-vedic-pathashala-inaugurated-by-yogrishi-swami-ramdevji-maharaj/

Eastern India’s first ‘International Vedic Pathashala’ was inaugurated today by Yogrishi Swami Ramdevji Maharaj,  along with ParamPujyaAcharyaSwami Govindadev Giri Maharaj at Shri Gaurang Veda Vidyalaya campus, Baruli Gobindapur, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal.Shri Sudhir Jalan, founder was also present at the occasion. Shri Jalan has dedicated this “International Vedic Pathashala” in the memory of his mother late Smt  Shanti Devi Jalan .

The main objective of this Pathashala is to preserve and promote the tradition of oral pronunciation of Vedic Mantras intactand disseminating the Vedic literature of the extinct Vedas among the students. Keeping in line with this, Gurudev Shri Govindadev Giri Jihas taken an initiative to build Ved pathashala across India. He made 34 Ved Pathshalas all over India amongst which this one will be the only international Ved Pathashala, where students will get training and education to get recruited in various Hindu Temples and religious places spread acrossEurope, America and other such countries. Main purpose behind making this International Pathshala is to train the Veda Scholars properly so that they can keep the NRIs and their children rooted to their Indian Origin. 

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Speaking on the occasion, ParamPoojyaGurudevShri Govindadev Giri Ji said, “I am very happy to be present at the inauguration of Eastern India’ first International Vedic Pathshala. My aim is to create awareness and spread the message of preserving Indian culture and rituals of Vedas across the world. Therefore, propagating and inspection of this priceless Vedic literature is absolutely necessary for giving the right direction and status to the present-day society. We also intend to give students the freedom to know supernatural and science based knowledge in Vedic literature.”

In this International Vedic Pathashala, students from Vedic schools from across India will get training in broadcasting Indian culture and Vedic knowledge. Under which all the participants will study various rituals, music literature, ancient discourse, computer science and English language. Currently the Pathashala have 55 students in courses likeShuklaYajurvedaMadhyandinShakha, ShuklaYajurvedaKanvaShakha. Total number of teachers in the Pathshala would 6.

These Pathashalas are being run across India by the supreme worshiper Gurudev Shri Govind Dev Giriji, with the inspiration of ParamPujyaKanchiPeethAdhipatiBrahmleen Swami Shri Jayendra Saraswatji Maharaj.

This Pathshala is affiliated to SANDIPANI VED VIDYA PRATISHTHAN, Ujjain, which is under the Ministry of Human Resource Developmentfor the preservation, conservation and development of Vedic Studies by establishing and supporting Ved Pathshalas. The eligibility criteria for the admission would be class V and on the basis of ‘pre entrance exam’. The age limit of the student should be between 9 to 12 years and education would be provided purely on residential basis. After the admission, the students will be provided seven years of Vedic Education. After completion of the course studentswould be awarded with ‘Ved Vibhushan’(equivalent to 12th grade) and will be qualified to pursue Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts in Vedic studies from KK KALIDAS SANSKRIT UNIVERSITY of Nagpur.

Ancient Vimanas of India

Haryana Government brings law on abandoning cows

Haryana government to impose Rs 5100 fine on those abandoning milch cows

Senior official of Haryana government stated on Monday, that People who abandoning milch cows in Haryana will have to pay a fine of Rs 5,100. The state will also provide a concession on products made from cow dung and urine. Following the steps of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the same and 8 medical collages will prepare the Ayurvedic medicine.

On Monday, a senior official of Haryana government stated that people who abandoning milch cows in Haryana will have to pay a fine of Rs 5,100. “For this purpose, a mobile application is being prepared with the assistance of information technology cell in the state, which will reveal information about the location of the animal on the basis of a tag number,” said Bhani Ram Mangla, Chairman, Haryana Gau Seva Aayog. Bhani Ram Mangla also added to his statement that as per government decision, Gau Seva Kendra will be established in the villages of Haryana for cow fostering and government will assist the financial assistance.

“Registration of these centres will be mandatory and a committee of learned persons will be set up for their functioning. The Aayog will give a lump sum amount of Rs 5,000 per cow annually,” Gau Seva Kendra, chairman. Reporting to media persons, Bhani Ram Mangla said that 90% of the grant will be given on equipment that are used for making products like soaps, lamps and incense from cow dung and urine.

Following the steps of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh government has also shown a thumbs-up to this decision and gave a push to the use of cow urine in preparing medicines. 8 Ayurvedic medical colleges in the state Banda, Jhansi, Muzaffarnagar, Allahabad, Varanasi, Bareilly, Lucknow and Pilibhit, will work on this. States ruled by Bharatiya Janata Party such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh have introduced many schemes to preserve cows.

Earlier, Member of Parliament Subramanian Swamy has pressured the lawmakers to withdraw a bill to ban cow slaughter. This bill demands a mandatory death penalty to accused of killing the animals.

Once on verge of suicide, now a feted farmer

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/once-on-verge-of-suicide-now-a-feted-farmer/article19804007.ece

Durgappa picked to promote integrated farming

Life has come a full circle for this 43-year-old farmer from Shivamogga district. Durgappa Angadi of Sasaravalli village of Shikaripur taluk was contemplating suicide, unable to repay a loan of ₹9 lakh 30 months ago. His crops had failed consistently. Today, he has not only become a successful farmer, but has also become an ambassador of integrated farming. 

Recalling his difficult days, Mr. Durgappa says it was a programme on television that was the turning point for him. It portrayed a small farmer from Kolar district earning huge profits from just two acres of land through integrated farming. “This gave me new hope as everyone around me was saying farming was a loss-making venture,” says Mr. Durgappa.

He met experts to learn about integrated farming. “Within months, my experiment with integrated farming began and I harvested a bumper yield by growing ivy gourd,” he recalls. He was able to repay the entire loan within 18 months.

And then he decided to spend the rest of his life on instilling confidence among small and marginal farmers that farming is still a profitable venture. He now takes up organic farming on two and half acres of land and earns an average annual income of about ₹5.25 lakh. Apart from growing half a dozen horticultural crops and vegetables, he also takes up apiary and dog breeding.

University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru’s alumni association, which comprises about 10,000 agricultural graduates, has now chosen four innovative farmers, including Mr. Durgappa, to become its ambassadors of integrated farming.

The other three farmers are physically challenged 27-year-old Ramakrishna Shavati of Ganaur village of Raichur district, Shabarish Suvarna of Udupi taluk, and H. Sadananda of Tapasihalli, who are now cult figures among the farming community of the State for their innovative experiments with integrated farming.

UAS-B alumni association president K. Narayana Gowda told The Hindu that these farmers would be feted with a cash prize of ₹25,000 each with the Dr. G.K. Veeresh Endowment Award by the association, and as ambassadors for popularising integrated farming system, at an event in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Emphasising that integrated farming was the only method to make farming a financially sustainable, Mr. Gowda said the association has popularised the concept by holding workshops at the fields of the innovative farmers.

The Mundari: The tribe dying for their cows

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/22/africa/mundari-tribe-cattle-photography/index.html

South Sudan is the world's youngest country, and it has witnessed immense change since gaining independence in 2011. The promise of peace has given way to civil war, and tribal rifts continue to run deep, permeating political affairs. Over two million people have been displaced according to the UN, and tens of thousands killed.

Amid the tumult is the Mundari, a people who would rather get on with doing what they do best: looking after their cattle.

It would be hard to find a more dedicated group of herdsmen than the tribe who live on the banks of the Nile, north of the capital Juba. Their entire lifestyle is geared around caring for their prized livestock, the Ankole-Watusi, a horned breed known as "the cattle of kings."

These cows grow up to eight feet tall, and are worth as much as $500 each. It's no wonder the Mundari view these animals as their most valuable assets (or that they guard them with with machine guns).

Photographer spent a fortnight earlier this year documenting their lives and the devotion they show towards these animals. Photographer has captured tribes and indigenous people from over 30 African nations, though he was nonetheless taken aback by the relationship between man and beast.

"It's hard to overstate the importance of cattle to the Mundari people," says the photographer, "these animals are everything to them."

The photographer describes how "almost every man I met wanted me to take a picture of them with their favorite cow." Their wives and children, on the other hand, were given short shrift.

Read more: The king with 100 wives

Read more: The Afar: The toughest people on earth?

Perhaps this is in part due to the function and symbolism of the Ankole-Watusi. Each bovine is so highly prized that it is rarely killed for its meat. Instead, it is a walking larder, a pharmacy, a dowry, even a friend. It is clear that cow is a resource maintaining not just a people, but a way of life.

The Mundari, tall and muscular, may "look like bodybuilders," says Zaidi, "but their diet is pretty much milk and yogurt. That's it." Other bodily fluids have more unlikely uses. Mundari men will squat under streams of cow urine, both an antiseptic, Zaidi suggests, and as an aesthetic choice -- the ammonia in the urine color the Mundari's hair orange.

Meanwhile dung is piled high into heaps for burning, the fine peach-colored ash used as another form of antiseptic and sunscreen by the herdsmen, shielding them from the 115-degree heat.

The cows, adds Zaidi, are among the world's most pampered. He says he witnessed Mundari massaging their animals twice a day. The ash from dung fires, as fine as talcum powder, is rubbed into the cattle's skin and used as bedding, while ornamental tassels swat flies from the eyes of the herd's most prestigious beasts.

"Rustlers are a huge issue for them," the photographer explains. "Their cattle are a form of currency and status symbol, and form a key part of a family's pension or dowry. Since the end of the civil war, thousands of men have returned to South Sudan looking for wives, which has pushed up the 'bride price', making these animals even more precious and increasing lethal cattle raids."

Such raids have been deadly for the Mundari, but the effects of war are manifold. Landmines make finding fresh pasture a dangerous lottery. When he visited, Zaidi says the tribe were using a small island in the Nile as a safe haven. The conflict, he adds, has the paradoxical effect of preserving their way of life.

"The ongoing war in South Sudan has cut off the Mundari tribe from the rest of the world," he says. "They don't venture into the town, they stay in the bush, and it's why their unique way of life endures."

Zaidi says the Mundari have no taste for war and "their guns are not to kill anyone but to protect their herd." All the Mundari want to do is take care of their livestock, he argues, "and they will protect them at all costs."

Education system dehumanised: HC

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/education-system-dehumanised-hc/article19260607.ece

Says it has become a machine that mass-produces clones, frowns on individuality

The education system has become “completely dehumanised” into a machine which is “mass-producing clones” and frowning upon individuality, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday.

“It (education system) is completely de-humanised. It is a machine. The human element has been completely taken out. The contact between teacher and student is perfunctory. There is no connect,” a Bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Najmi Waziri said.

The Bench said, “Are we producing clones? We seem to be mass producing clones. It seems individuality is frowned upon now. You must conform at all costs, else retribution is swift.”

The court made the oral observations while hearing a plea initiated by the Supreme Court in September last year on the alleged suicide by a student of Amity Law University. The matter was transferred to the Delhi High Court in March. During the day's proceedings, the Bench said there was perhaps an “element of callousness” in how the university handled the deceased student's “cry for help” before he took the extreme step.

Sushant Rohilla, a third year law student of Amity had hung himself at his home here on August 10, 2016 after the university allegedly barred him from sitting for semester exams because he did not have the requisite attendance. He left behind a note saying he was a failure and did not wish to live.

“The student reached out to you (Amity). He cried out for help. But did you respond? Perhaps there is an element of callousness in how you handled it,” the court said. “Implement your rules, but do not put students at risk,” the court told the varsity, which claimed it was only strictly enforcing its attendance norms.

‘Systems not in place’

“Systems are not in place in your institution which is why a student took that step,” the Bench said. The varsity, however, said that systems were in place, but there was always room for improvement.

The court did not appear to be convinced by the claims of the varsity, which is affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), and said there should be safeguards in place so that a person who wants assistance gets it immediately.

It also said that this incident would have scarred the lives of the deceased's family, friends and batch mates. “It is a continuing trauma for them.”

Meanwhile, the amicus curiae appointed by the court said the status report filed by the Delhi Police regarding the incident was “shocking” as it said there was nothing in the complaint which required examination of any person.

The status report also said the suicide note was probably not written by Rohilla, the amicus told the court. He said the investigation carried out so far by the police appears to be "compromised" and therefore, should be transferred.

Krsna-krida, The Art of Engaging Children's Playful Attitude

Krsna-krida
The Art of Engaging Children's Playful Attitude

Children have a natural attraction to play. And, Krsna's playful pastimes are a natural attraction for a conditioned soul. Hence children can from very beginning of life cultivate a taste for devotional service very naturally. As children play, they can become Krsna conscious. That's the success of engaging the natural playful attitude of children.

It was Srila Prabhupada's desire and instruction to introduce Krsna-krida to our children.

"Make Vaikuntha. That is my request. Teach from the very beginning of life. Just like bala-krida, Bala-kridanakaih kridan. By playing, he's becoming Krsna conscious.Just produce a new generation, just like Pariksit Maharaja. Bala-kridanakaih, from very childhood. ..Krsna-yoga, (or) bhakti-yoga, can be practiced even by a child without interfering with his natural propensities. Without any education, without any knowledge. There is no need of high-grade knowledge or education to understand…It is already there in everyone's heart...It is not that one has to learn it artificially by some gymnastic. No, natural. Just like the children here, they are also dancing with their parents. They are offering flower, trying to imitate how to chant (maha mantra). And they are very much pleased. So similarly these things (should be) introduced, krsna-krida. So some way or other, they should be engaged in krsna-krida. It doesn't matter whether (the child) understands it or not...". (A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam, 2.3.14-15, Los Angeles, May 31, 1972)

The new publication, "Krsna-krida, The Art of Engaging Children's Playful Attitude" humbly attempts to fulfill this instruction and thus serve the Vaisnavas. This hardbound print brimming with around 65 illustrations is sure to enthrall the children and adults equally.

EPub edition is available too.

A part of the 64 Traditional Arts series, this publication covers various arts such as Prahelika, Pratimala, Dyuta Vishesa Krida, Akarsa Krida, Aksara Mustika Kathana and Sutra krida apart from addressing the main art in discussion, called "Bala-kridanakani, The art of engaging children in games".

Just what is this Krsna-krida?
Considering the Supreme Lord as the transcendental role model and spontaneously re-playing as if role-playing those games and activities is known as Krsna-krida

One of the 64 traditional arts (Catuh sasti kala) is known as Bala-kridanakani. This the prime subject matter of the book describing varieities of of games played by Krsna with His cowherd friends in sakhya-rasa. The book explores around 65 of such games that include free plays as well as the orgainzed games.

The process of Bhakti-yoga is joyful, more so for children. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna is known as bala-krida-samasakta, meaning that the Supreme Lord is attached to enjoying the playful pastimes with his childhood friends. In fact, in the spiritual world, Goloka Vrindavana, these childhood pastimes are eternally going on. When the Supreme Lord incarnated in this material world, His childhood pastimes are considered to be the most glorious and rare.

Blessings obtained from scholars indicate the importance of providing this crucial Krsna conscious culture to the children. The book can be ordered from:

www.cteindia.org/publications.html

Excerpt of Reviews and Blessings obtained from scholars:

Sripad Bhakti Raghava Swami

We should all be most thankful to the author for giving us such an extensive and elaborate presentation of this dimension of children's early education. The book is very authoritative being filled with supportive statements and references. This book is a must for both parents and educators.

Sripad Lokanath Swami

The essence of the text is reminiscent of the village life where I was born. In the village of Aravade, play was free and fearless around countryside cows. As children, we frolicked on expansive hills and sprawling valleys and played hide and seek in rows of endless sugarcane plantations. The perspectives on "play" as demonstrated by Krsna and his friends and captured in Krsna-Krida provide a historical and modern understanding of how children should play to develop an intense attachment to Krsna. Bharat Chandra Dasa vividly captures the exuberance of play and the laughter of Krsna during play.

The advice that is offered is direct and echoes Srila Prabhupada's insights on how to bring up children. The research work is incisive and the work of respected Vaisnava acaryas are used to underpin suggestions made. Srila Prabhupada said that we should encourage children to play Krsna games and in this way develop a love for Krsna.

Set against the twelve forests of Vraja, the location of this book is "the perfect playground with the perfect set of players". The core point being made by Bharat Chandra Dasa is that the "impressions of devotional life in early childhood impacts one to develop a deep attachment to The Supreme Personality of Godhead."

Several dimensions of parenting styles are illustrated and the art of engaging children's playful attitude can be considered the ultimate handbook for parents in rearing their children. The display of this art by the cowherd friends of Krsna in Gokula and Vrndavana offers a range of issues that permeate the understanding of how children play.

This book is a fundamental contribution to progressive parenting ideas drawn from spiritual literature - it is a manual as to how parents can be present in the lives of their children and nurture them in Krishna consciousness through the sacred art of play.

Sripad Bhakti Vikasa Swami

Children naturally love to play, reflecting the playfulness of Kr?s?n?a in his boyhood. Although such playing can be simply a waste of time in the valuable human form of life (as Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings, khela-rase saisava; see also SB 7.6.7), children who learn to play according to the directions of this book can, from the beginning of life, become attached to Krsna and thus make a good start on the great journey back to Godhead.
I congratulate Bharat Chandra Dasa for bringing out another in his series of practical varnasrama guides, and I pray that the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna bless him with long life, good health, and fixed focus so that he may produce many more such invaluable books.

Sripad Bhakti Rasamrta Swami

"Krsna-krida" is impressively & meticulously researched, provides sublime insights into how children can joyfully participate in the devotional process and it is also an enchanting read for grown-ups. This book is a useful & practical contribution to the glorious attempt to revive Krsna conscious culture in the modern world.

Sri Gadadhara Pandita Dasa (Author of several Viasnava literatures in
Russian language)

Indeed the intrinsic nature of every individual soul - we find happiness in performing casual pastimes. However while doing so as inbounded beings in the Material world we are regularly forced to become - maya-kridanaka - a puppet toy in the hands of deluding energy Maya. However if according to instructions of saints, carefully presented by the author in this compilation, along with our dear children we will learn the art of playing as team members of Sri Krsna, that will definitely invoke in our lives God's lila-sakti - His divine energy of playful spiritual existence.

Dr. Demian Martins (Author, Samskrt scholar and Research head at Baladeva
Vidyabhusana Manuscript project)

The modern way of life is quickly overshadowing ancient traditions based on Vedic wisdom, which are ultimately meant to lead everyone to God realization. 'Krsna-krida' is a brilliant and well researched presentation of an important aspect of this culture and its approach to impart Vaisnava values to children of all age groups. The author deserves kudos for being a pioneer in bringing out this topic in English for the benefit of parents, teachers and children all over the world.

Srimati Aruddha Devi Dasi (Author of "Homeschooling Krsna's Children")

Bharat Chandra Dasa's book, Krsna-krida, gives great encouragement and faith to parents and educators that just by engaging our children in playing for Krsna and hearing about Krsna, we can help them develop pure love of God. This book is based on sastric evidence and many examples from the lives of our acaryas, who exhibited symptoms of bhakti in their childhood play. We, parents and teachers, can also give our children an environment steeped in Krsna consciousness by facilitating their Krsna-centered play. This book is a definitive guide to Krsna conscious activities for children, and I encourage all to read and assimilate.

Sri Lila Govinda Dasa (B.Tech from IIT Kharagpur, Teacher at Bhaktivedanta International School, Vrindavan)

It is always important to set some written objectives as guidelines for training the children, be it inside or outside the classroom. Not setting any objectives would naturally degrade the quality of the training. S?r?la Prabhupada said, "Teach the small children to play Krsna games. By keeping them always diversified they shall not lose interest and will keep their attention always focused around Krsna." However, to bring 'diversity' and 'attention' is a challenge for a teacher or parent, especially, outside the classroom while keeping their attention always focused around Krsna. 'Krsna-krida' is an amazing compilation with detailed and constructive guiding principles in engaging the children. Proper implementation of games suggested in 'Krsna-krida' can give children, parents and teachers transcendental experiences focused around Krsna. A must resource for all the teachers, parents, educators, Sunday school gatherings, libraries and everyone who is dealing with children.

Gold in Cow Urine!

Junagadh: The famous Gir cow is worth its weight in gold, quite literally! After four years of extensive research, scientists at Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU) have actually found gold in the urine of Gir cows. The analysis of urine samples of 400 Gir cows done at the Food Testing Laboratory of JAU showed traces of gold ranging from three mg to 10 mg from one litre urine. The precious metal was found in ionic form, which is gold salts soluble in water.

The team of researchers led by Dr B A Golakia, head of JAU's biotechnology department, used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method to analyze the urine samples.

"Till now, we have heard about presence of gold in cow urine from our ancient scriptures and its medicinal properties. Since there was no detailed scientific analysis to prove this, we decided to undertake a research on cow urine. We analyzed 400 samples of Gir cow urine and found traces of gold," Golakia said.

Golakia said the gold from urine can be extracted and solidified using chemical processes. The researchers also screened urine sample of camel, buffaloes, sheep and goat but they did not find any anti-biotic elements. Of the 5,100 compounds found in Gir cow urine 388 have immense medicinal value that can cure several ailments," said Dr B I Golakia, head of JAU's biotechnology department. He was assisted by researchers Jaimin, Rajesh Vijay and Shraddha. They will now analyze urine samples of all 39 indigenous cow breeds of India for the same purpose.

JAU's Food Testing Laboratory is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing Calibration Laboratories (NABL). On an average, it conducts 50,000 tests every year on various products which include items of exports, dairy items, vegetables, pulses, oil seeds, honey , pesticide residuals and other commodities. The lab is a joint venture of JAU Union ministry of food processing industries, Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation (GAIC)."Now, we are working on the use of Gir cow urine on human and plant pathogen. The experiments are being conducted to use it in treatmen t of human diseases and plant protections," Golakia added.

Bhakti-yoga and Cows

A) SAMBANDHA JNANA & cow protection:
gov anga yavasadina (SB 11.11.43)
I can be worshiped within the cows by offerings of grass and other suitable grains and paraphernalia for the pleasure and health of the cows,

(How can this be called as being related to Sambandha-jnana? Because, "Bhakti-yoga that is performed for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord VAsudeva brings about detachment from all things unrelated to Him and gives rise to pure knowledge that is free from any motive for liberation and directed exclusively towards the attainment of Him" Srimad Bhagavatam, 1.2.7)

B) ABHIDHEYA & cow protection
**** (I) Gomata - a partner in Vaidhi sadhana bhakti:

(a) 10th principle of vaidhi sadhana bhakti (Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu,1.2.110_:
aSvattha tulasI dhAtri go bhUmis sura vaiSNavAH
pUjitAH praNatAH dhyAtAH kSapayanti nRNAm agham
In the Skanda Pur€Ša it is directed that a devotee should offer water to the tulas… plant and €malaka trees. He should offer respect to the cows and to the br€hmaŠas and should serve the VaiŠavas by offering them respectful obeisances and meditating upon them. All of these processes will help the devotee to diminish the reactions to his past sinful activities.

(b) Srimad bhagavatam, Go-seva:
uktam bhAgavatam nityam kRtam ca hari chintanam
tulasI poSaNam caiva dhenunAm sevanam samam
Reciting Srimad Bhagavatam daily, remembering Lord Hari constantly, nourishing the Tulasi plant, protecting and caring for the cows, are all equally beneficial (because these acts are pleasing to Krsna) (Bhagavata mahatmya, verse 40).

(c) Daivi sampat qualitites imbibed due to association of mother cow

dhairyaM dhRtiSca SAntiSca puSTirvRddhiH tathaiva ca
smrtirmedhA tathA lajjA vapuH kIrtistathaiva ca
vidyA SAntirmatiScaiva santatiH paramA tathA
yatra gAvastatra lakSMIH sAnkhyAdharmASca SASvataH
(VarAha PurANa, 206.34-35)

By associating with the cows, by serving the cows and by consuming milk and milk products, it is said that one will be endowed with fearlessness, tolerance, peacefulness, strength, sharp memory, intelligence, shyness to act irreligiously, humility, health, fame, knowledge and progeny. Wherever there are cows, there is all prosperity and eternal spiritual knowledge.

(d) DAsyam (of sadhana bhakti) and cow protection:
karma svAbhAvikam bhadram (Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, 1.2.185)
To follow svabhava karma (daiva varnasrama dharma) for pleasure of Krsna. Varna samanya dharma (common dharma for all is 'cow protection' and 'growing food' (meaning, not for trade but for self-sufficiency. Trade is exclusive domain of mercantile class)
kRSistu sarva varNAnAM sAmAnyo dharma ucyate
kRSrbhRtiH pASupAlyam sarveSAM na niSidhyate
Agriculture and cow protection are common duty for all the varNAs and they are not prohibited for anyone (VRddha HArita SmRti)

**** (II) Gomata - a partner in Raganuga sadhana bhakti

++ tat-prApty-utkaNTAyAm ekAdaSI-janmASTmI-kArttika-vrata-bhoga-tyAgAdIni tapo-rUpANi tathASvattha-tulasy-Adi-sammAnanAdIni tad-bhAvAnukUlAny eva
The observance of Ekadasi, Janmastami, Kartikka vrata as well as the renunciation of sense pleasures and other austerities, offering respect to Tulasi, the banyan tree, cows etc.; all of these activities executed with eagerness for attaining one's most cherishable relationship with the Desired Object, because they are helpful and favourably disposed towards the attainment of this bhava are called BhAvAnukUla sAdhana (Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu Bindu, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarthi Thakura)

++ A devotee may be desiring to associate with the Personality of Godhead as His cowherd friend. He will want to serve the Lord by assisting Him in controlling the cows in the pasturing ground. This may appear to be a desire to enjoy the company of the Lord, but actually it is spontaneous love, serving Him by assisting in managing the transcendental cows (Srila Prabhupada, Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 15)


**** (III) Gomata - a partner in Bhava bhakti

++ Impetus (Uddipana) - "Uddipana-vibhava to bhava bhakti
ye kRSNas smArayanti te uddIpana vibhAva
Refers to all those things which stimulate remembrance of Sri Krsna such as His dress and ornaments, the spring season, the bank of the Yamuna, forest groves, cows, peacocks, and so on." (Srila Visvanatha Cakravarthi Thakura, Bhakti Rasarmta Sindhu Bindu)


C)PRAYOJANA & cow protection:

**** (IV) Gomata - a partner in Prema Bhakti

++ Santa-rasa and cows:
(a)Impetus for santa-rasa and cows:
parvata-Saila-kAnanAdi-vAsi-jana-saNga-siddha-kSetrAdayaH uddIpana-vibhAvAH
To live in pure and natural atmosphere devoid of crowded congestion of cities. Such places are known as vivikta deSa full of trees and natural surroundings (just like forests of Vrindavan).
(Of with course cows in such peaceful living. After all, that is how great rsis lived in the past).

(b)Cows gave pleasure to Krsna in SAnta-rasa (Hence worthy of our service):
The land, the grass, the trees, the plants, fruits, or the cows in the transcendental world are supposed to be situated in the santa rasa. As spiritual beings, they are all conscious of Krsna, but they prefer to appreciate Krsna greatness remaining as they are (Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Rupanuga, 12 Mar, 1968).

++ Impetus for Dasya-rasa and cows:
(a)Reverential affection to see Krsna as a cowherd boy:
"When will that glorious day in my life come when it will be possible for me to go to the bank of the Yamuna and see Lord Krsna playing there as a cowherd boy?"

++ Impetus (Vibhava) and Anubhava in Sakhya-rasa and cows:
(a)"Krsna going into the forest to tend the cows" is an impetus for sakhya-rasa.
vrndAraNye samastAt surabhiNi surabhIvrndarakSAvihAri (Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, 3.3.66)

(b)Anubhava symptom in sakhya rasa and cows:
puras tairyatrikaM tasya gavAM sambhAlanakriyAH
"Helping Krsna herd His cows" (Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, 3.3.95)


++ vatsalya rasa and cows
According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, the cows loved Lord Krsna in vatsalya-rasa, or the love of parents for a child, because the cows were always supplying milk to Krsna.

Impetus for vatsalya rasa and cows/calves:
vatsarakSA vrajArbhyeNa (Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, 3.4.32)
Krsna protecting and herding calves in the forests, is an impetus for Vatsalya rasa.


++ Impetus for Madhurya rasa and cows:
The impetuses of conjugal love are Krsna and His very dear consorts, such as Radharani… and Her immediate associates (who are all gopis, or cowherd women)

Dear Krsna, what woman in all the three worlds wouldn't deviate from religious behavior when bewildered by the sweet, drawn-out melody of Your flute? Your beauty makes all three worlds auspicious. Indeed, even the cows, birds, trees and deer manifest the ecstatic symptom of bodily hair standing on end when they see Your beautiful form (Srimad Bhagavatam, 10.29.40)

When one gopi perfectly imitated how Krsna would call the cows who had wandered far away, how He would play His flute and how He would engage in various sports, the others congratulated her with exclamations of "Well done! Well done!" (Srimad Bhagavatam, 10.30.18)

Your lotus feet destroy the past sins of all embodied souls who surrender to them. Those feet follow after the cows in the pastures and are the eternal abode of the goddess of fortune. Since You once put those feet on the hoods of the great serpent Kaliya, please place them upon our breasts and tear away the lust in our hearts (Srimad Bhagavatam, 10.31.7)

Dear master, dear lover, when You leave the cowherd village to herd the cows, our minds are disturbed with the thought that Your feet, more beautiful than a lotus, will be pricked by the spiked husks of grain and the rough grass and plants (Srimad Bhagavatam, 10.31.11)

**** Tending cows - natural occupation of Krsna in Goloka Vrndavana

cintamani-prakara-sadmasu kalpavriksha-
lakshavrteshu surabhir abhipaalayantam
lakshmi-sahasra-sata-sambhrama-sevyamanam
govindam aadi-purusham tam aham bhajami

“Lord Krishna is situated in a spiritual abode made of transcendental gems. In that abode he is surrounded by millions of desire fulfilling trees (kalpa-vriksha), and he takes pleasure in tending the divine cows. He is always being served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of devotees. To that Supreme Lord, who is always trying to satisfy the senses of the cows, and who is the original person, I offer my worship.”

[Brahma-samhita]


Ofcourse not touching about Karma-kanda, Jnana-kanda and cows.

Unique love for cow!

Samskrit lawyer!

http://www.thequint.com/videos/2016/04/26/varanasi-lawyer-practices-in-sanskrit-since-last-38-years

Acharya Shyamji Upadhay, a lawyer from Varanasi has been arguing and drafting his legal cases in Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language.

While many believe that Sanskrit is a dead and defunct language, Upadhyay refuses to accept that as a final word and also continues to teach Sanskrit to students who line up to be taught by him.

In fact, the judges too are impressed by his perseverance and enthusiasm and often render their judgment or ruling in either Sanskrit or Hindi.

Having begun this mission in 1978, he has written about 60 novels in Sanskrit and has been awarded ‘Sanskrit Mitram’ by the Human Resource and Development Ministry in 2003.

According to Acharya Shyamji, he is the only lawyer in the nation who has been practicing in Sanskrit for the last 38 years and therefore he wants his name to be registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.