Background Information:
Indigenous cattle play a vital role in livelihood security
in our country. Majority of crop growing and livestock
rearing areas in India are dry land areas with low and
medium input production systems which favor conservation
of animal genetic diversity. The local breeds of cattle
are well known for their draft efficiency, heat tolerance
and resistance to diseases. Inherited resistance to (or
tolerance of) disease and parasites in livestock has always
been a valued trait among stockowners. Today, many of
them are disintegrating and degenerating both in quality
and quantity that has crumbled our genetic base. The net
result is that a few of the well-established breeds such
as Punganur have already become extinct, and breeds like
Krishna valley is fast approaching the stage of extinction.
Excellent draft breeds such as Amrithmahal, Hallikar and
Khillari etc. and good milch breeds like Sahiwal, Tharparkar
and Red Sindhi have reduced in number as well as in quality.
At a localized agro-climatic zone, loss of breed means
loss of livelihood strategy and loss of indigenous knowledge.
The drought prone semi-arid regions are characterized
by a major animal component, as animals can exploit
resources that cannot support intensive crop cultivation
on a sustainable basis. As per FAO records, one third
of all Indian breeds of livestock and poultry are threatened
with extinction and require conservation. Maintenance
and protection of remaining livestock breeds is mandated
by UN convention on Biological Diversities (CBD). This
legal instrument emphasizes need for the conservation
of agro-biodiversity in the surroundings, essential
to support the system. It also emphasizes active involvement
of indigenous communities, their knowledge and active
participation in conservation. But so far no initiatives
are visible in large scale and organizations that maintain
domestic animals biodiversity are only now beginning
exploration. Experiences with truly community-based
approaches to the conservation of local livestock breeds
are also lacking.
Understanding the situation and problem, Shrimad Jagadguru
Shankaracharya Shri Shri Raghaveswara Bharathi Swamiji
has taken up the programme of preservation, improvement,
conservation, in depth study and research on the desi
cattle and their products in the name of “Khamadugha”.
Farmers’ friend Hallikar cattle, the dwarf cattle
of Western Ghats having high resistance to many diseases
‘Malnad Gidda’, well suited breed for black
cotton soil with good milk yield ‘Krishna Valley’
pride of Andhra Pradesh ‘Ongole’, dual purpose
breed ‘Deoni’, famous milk breed of Gujarath
‘Gir’, world famous war -horse like looking
‘Amrithmahal’, heaviest breed ‘Kankrej’,
best milch breed from Punjab ’Sahiwal’,
‘Rati’ from Rajasthan and many more breeds
of indigenous cattle are found in the ‘Amruthadhara
Goshala’ at Ramachandrapura Math, Hosanagara,
Shimoga District, Karnataka, India and also at Kaggalipura,
Bangalore. Many more Goshala are in the offing for the
cause of desi cattle. The products of desi cows viz
arkha (cow urine distil), soap from cow dung, toothpaste,
shampoo etc are also made and distributed at nominal
cost.
"Vishwa Gou Sammelana",
an international conference and festival on Indian breeds
of cattle will be held at Shree Ramachandrapura math,
Hosanagara, Shimoga district, Karnataka , India under
the aegis and guidance of His Holiness Jagadguru
Shankaracharya, Sri Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji
from 21 April 2007 to 29April2007.
This summit has an objective to promote propagation
and improvement of Indian breeds of cattle, to study,
document and create awareness about the importance of
products from indigenous cows on firm scientific principles
for the betterment of mankind. The summit will bring
together National and International institutions working
in this area, farmers, livestock keepers and the goushalas.
Resource persons will be drawn from among researchers
from various countries, social workers, NGOs, farmers,
and concerned government departments and others. Exhibitions,
live demonstrations and cultural programmes related
to the theme will also be held. It will give an insight
into the the role of cows in Indian culture, economy,
livelihood, religion etc. Over two and a half million
people are expected to take part n this mega event of
nine days.
Registration Fees: There will be no
registration fee.
Food: Simple higenic Indian south and
north cuisine vegetarian food will be served free of
charge. Foreign delegates can have complimentary continental
limited choice vegetarian food on prior intimation.
Accommodation: Tented accommodation
will be made available for participants on early request.
We suggest bringing your own towel and sleeping-bag.
On request, the organizers can arrange accommodation
in hotels, ranging from simple to luxury, but with costs
to be borne by participants. These hotels are located
at a distance of about 50-75 km from the venue, at towns
namely Kollur, Shimoga in quiet and pleasant surroundings.
We will be happy to make reservations for you. Room
rates range from 200-3000 INR. Buses will ply regularly
to the venue from nearby towns.
Travel Costs: Participants have to
cover their own travel costs.
Communication
We acknowledge and apologize that communication at the
venue could be difficult due to huge gathering, since
the E-mail connection frequently becomes interrupted,
and sometimes even the telephone line. We will make
efforts to provide email and phone facility to participants.
However, due to large gathering we may not be able to
provide each and every participant with e-mail opportunity
during the conference, so please come mentally prepared
for being off-line for the duration of the meeting.
Long distance and International telephone calls are
easily possible from the many STD booths in the conference
venue and Hosanagara (15 Kms from the venue)
Climate
At the end of April, the weather can be expected to
be sunny and hot (25°-35°C) during the day,
but pleasantly cool during the night. We advise light
clothing for the day.
Visa
International participants must obtain a visa from the
Indian Embassy in their country before entering India.
We will issue you with an official letter of invitation
upon request and fax it either to you or directly to
the Embassy
Arrival by air
International participants should fly to either to Bangalore
and then travel by road or train (upto Shimoga) or Mumbai
(formerly Bombay), with an onward connection to Mangalore.
We will try to arrange pick-up from Bangalore and Mangalore
airport on request. Alternatively you can travel by
road to the venue (350kms from Bangalore airport and
130 kms from Mangalore airport).
Arrival by train
If you are traveling from Bangalore the nearest railway
station is at Shimoga about 75 km from the venue or
if you are traveling from Mumbai the nearest station
is at Kundapur about 80 kms from the venue (Konkan railway
line). You will find our information & help center
at all the nearby bus,rail stations and airports.
Departure
The conference will close on 29th April night. Day and
night buses to and from Bangalore/Mangalore/ Kundapur/
Shimoga are available on all the conference days and
30 th also.
For further information, please contact:
C.M.Divakar.Shastry,
General Secretary, Vishwa Gou Sammelan,
mobile phone : 9449595214, 9845029395
email: vishwagou@gmail.com
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