Srinagar, Sep 27 : Members of Akhil Bhartiya Gau Seva Foundation (ABGSF), a cow protection group, launched a ‘Padyatra’ from Kashmir to Kanyakumari from Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk on Friday aiming to raise awareness about its protection.

A senior BJP leader and former MLC Surinder Ambardar, who is a Kashmiri Pandit, was the chief guest at the event.

“This yatra has been organized under the slogan “Save Cow, Save Earth” campaign and its purpose is to spread awareness for the protection of cows. If earth needs to be saved, cow protection is a must,” Ambardar said.

The BJP leader said they believe the cow is the mother of all animals.

“It is a symbol of non-violence and we believe cow milk is equal to mother’s milk,” Ambardar told reporters at Lal Chowk.

The President of the cow protection group, Balakrishnan Guruswamy, said the yatra will span 15 states over six months, concluding in Kanyakumari.

“Cows and nature must be saved,” Guruswamy told reporters while emphasizing the cow’s vital role in organic living.

The Yatra seeks to spread this message, advocating that saving cows is key to protecting the universe and, in turn, humanity, he said

When asked about India being a major beef exporter, Guruswamy responded, “This Yatra is a silent protest against the exploitation of animals and a call for change.”

A small group of people, including a few artists, attended the event in the Lal Chowk- the business hub of Kashmir. A cow was also paraded during the launch of the yatra.

UNI