Kozhikode, November 29: “The Vishwa Mangal Gou Gram Yatra has special significance for Kerala as the people here are fast going away from their roots in the name of science and development,” said Smt KP Shashikala, state president of Hindu Ekya Vedi. She was addressing the welcome meeting organised here today to welcome the Vishwa Mangal Gou Gram Yatra.

She said we regard Gandhiji as Father of the Nation but are not ready to follow his words on cow protection. “Bapu always advocated the need for cow protection but the cow slaughter still continues in the country even after six decades of Independence. The real meaning of democracy is to understand the feelings of the public. Therefore, the government should ban cow slaughter with immediate effect while respecting the sentiments of the people,” she said adding that if we worship Sri Ram and Krishna we must follow their ideals too in practical life.

Swami Chidanandpuri of Adwait Ashram, Kollathas said we think for welfare of every creature but do not understand the pain and sufferings of the cow. “Once a saint from north asked me whether the people in Kerala eat fish and beef? When I said yes, he wondered a lot and asked why we could not save the cow. Muslims do not eat pig that is why killing of pigs is banned. On the other hand the cow is respectable for every Hindus and she gives milk for all but she is killed,” he said.

National Secretary of the Yatra Shri Shankarlal was presented over 50,000 signatures collected from Kunnur, Vadakara, Kanchagad and Payarnur. Addressing the gathering he said the objective of the Yatra is to make the nation disease free, loan free, pollution free, crime free and full of foodgrains and all facilities.
Beginning from Kochi today morning and passing through Thrissur, Guruvayur and Velencheri the Yatra reached Muthulakulam Grounds of Kozhikode. The meeting was presided over by Dr K Madhvankutti, Principal of Medical College.