As the debate over ‘cow science’ exam continues, an NGO in Gurugram is all set to open its cow cuddling centre in Tauru, Haryana on Sunday (February 28).
The idea of Kamdhenu Gowdham and Arogya Sansthan’s cow cuddling centre, if one may ask, is to cuddle a cow and forget all your problems. According to the NGO, cow cuddling is a prevalent practice in several foreign countries including the US, Netherland, Switzerland and the UK. It said that the cow-cuddling method includes touching the cow-mother, hugging it, sitting with support, caressing its body and breathing with it.
“When we see a quiet person in India, it is said that his or her nature is like a cow-mother,” a statement released by the NGO read. The NGO believes that an Indian cow should be called ‘the world mother’.
“Cow cuddling not only cures respiratory diseases, blood pressure, spinal pain, heart problem, depression but also sadness, anxiety and all kinds of tensions. Heart-rate of the mother-cow is very low, therefore, one gets peacefulness in her vicinity,” it says, adding that the method is called ‘Cow-Munication’ or ‘communication with cow mother’.
“When one lies on the lap of his or her mother, he or she forgets all their problems. Similarly, when one hugs cow mother, then also one forgets his worries,” the NGO says.
The NGO claims one has to spend, up to ₹22,000 for a 90 minutes cow cuddling therapy in the US, however, at the Kamdhenu Gowdham and Arogya Sansthan, one can do it for free to enjoy the benefits.
Cow cuddling, or “koe knuffelen” in Dutch has recently emerged as a new wellness trend across the world. In some countries, resting against one of the cows, giving them a backrub or even getting licked is considered to be a part of the therapeutic practice.
The NGO, led by retired IAS officer and ex-Chairman of Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) SP Gupta, claims it can cure multiple lifestyle and health diseases.
The cow cuddling centre comes soon after the “cow science” exam made headlines for promoting unsubstantiated claims about cows. The study material for the examination consisted of unscientific claims, including- the occurrence of earthquakes due to cow slaughter.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) had also promoted the exam and ordered all vice-chancellors of universities across the country to “encourage” students to appear for ”Gau Vigyan”. The exam has now been cancelled after widespread criticism.
