By Bhaktivedanta Manor

In the early hours of this morning, amidst tears of joy, priests, farmers and congregational members witnessed the birth of a healthy female calf. This was no ordinary calf, but a symbol of reconciliation and a new era between the RSPCA and Vaishnava communities across Britain.

Gangotri, a cow dearly loved by everyone was killed by the RSPCA at Bhaktivedanta Manor’s farm in December 2007. This deeply offended the entire ISKCON community and a campaign was launched. The ‘Gangotri Task Force’ worked with DEFRA, politicians and legal experts in order to raise awareness of why all life is so sacred to all Vaishnavas. Last December the RSPCA apologised unreservedly and indicated its wish to build a progressive relationship. Welcoming their gesture, the community hopes the RSPCA will sign a protocol which will protect future cows.

The calf’s mother, Aditi, was a gift to the temple by the RSPCA and the birth brings good tidings to Bhaktivedanta Manor Krishna Temple. The new calf has also been named ‘Gangotri’, a name that is steeped in Vedic theosophy and history. She is residing in New Gokul, the largest Cow Protection Centre in Europe which due to be complete this August.

Kapil Dudakia, the chair of the Gangotri Task Force said, “The whole community is ecstatic with this tremendous news. Only last month we saw the arrival of Aditi to the Temple in all her splendour and today the birth of Gangotri has brought in an auspicious era for all our diverse communities to celebrate life and a new beginning together.”

Srutidharma das, the present Chairman of Bhaktivedanta Manor, said “the community at Bhaktivedanta Manor is celebrating the arrival of the new calf and it is a great beginning to the year.”

Stewart Coyle, the Farm Manager of New Gokul heard of the news whilst travelling in India. He said, “I am over whelmed with the news. I can’t wait to get back to England and see the new arrival.”

Editor’s Notes:-

Photo of the calf attached to this email

DEFRA have recently published a protocol which will in future guide animal welfare at all farms and organisations in the UK who have a non-violent ethos. Stewart Coyle, the Farm Manager said, “This resolution will now help to protect all our cows and I believe the Temple and the RSPCA can now work together for animal welfare.

For more information, please contact 
 
Radha Mohan das
07818 815 978 (m);
Radha.Mohan.bcs@gmail.com
For media visits to the Temple and/or to arrange interview with:

Kapil Dudakia – Chair of the Gangotri Task Force
Sruti Dharma das – Chair of Bhaktivedanta Manor

For more information, please visit the following web page:
http://www.justiceforgangotri.org/

The Apology

Apology from the RSPCA issued on the one year anniversary of the killing of Gangotri 13th December 2008

“The RSPCA as a charity will, by all lawful means, prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate suffering of animals.

We share the above objective with the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities and realise that these communities through their faith strive to live in harmony with all creatures.

The Society, recognising the hurt caused to the sentiments of these communities, and wishing to build a progressive relationship, apologises unreservedly for causing hurt and offence.

The RSPCA is based on a profound respect for animals, something we share with the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities and we look forward to working together to promote respect and caring, and to cherish all life.”

convert this post to pdf.