Defra - Hindu relations

Pat's Note: I wonder oif they will have to pay a levy to a quango to promote
beef sales?

http://www.asianimage.co.uk/display.var.2004323.0.work_starts_on_europes_largest_cow_protection_farm.php

Work starts on Europes largest cow protection farm
By Asian Image reporter

Representatives of the Hindu community from across the UK are to attend a
ceremony to sanctify the ground where Europes largest centre for cow
protection is to be built.

Bhaktivedanta Manor, the temple where the RSPCA killed Gangotri the sacred
cow and sparked outrage amongst British Hindus, will open the centre for cow
protection and organic lifestyles.

Hindu leaders, politicians and supporters from across Britain will join
priests in a colourful ceremony to sanctify the ground where the new farm
building will be constructed in memory of Gangotri.

The elaborate ceremony, called bhumi-puja or ground-breaking ceremony, will
include chanting of 10,000 year old Sanskrit prayers, ancient costumes,
traditional dances, and devotional singing to the accompaniment of Indian
drums and cymbals.

It will culminate in four simultaneous yajnas, with priests pouring
sanctified offerings of clarified butter into a large sacred fire.

After the ceremony, fifty Hindu leaders from around the country will discuss
what they perceive as the British government's lethargy in addressing the
wider issues surrounding the killing of Gangotri.

"We cannot understand why DEFRA have not even responded to our request for a
meeting with the Secretary of State," said Gauri Dasa, president of
Bhaktivedanta Manor.

"The resentment levels in the Hindu community are quite high, and the
Government's lack of engagement and disinterest are not good for community
cohesion and integration. They should at least be ready listen to what we
have to say."

National Hindu organisations and other stakeholders launched the Justice for
Gangotri campaign shortly after the killing of the cow. Rickie Sehgal a
member of the Justice for Gangotri Taskforce, who is also Chair of the
Membership Committee of the Hindu Forum of Britain, said, "The Government
has become deaf and blind to our community's anger at this killing. I urge
all Hindus to stand up and be counted. Please write immediately to DEFRA and
your local MP before there is another such killing."

Raj Joshi, Vice Chair of the Society of Black Lawyers, who is also a member
of the Taskforce commented, "A day of celebration has been overshadowed by
senseless killing and complete disregard by those in power of the views of
the Hindu community. Every Hindu should ask their Member of Parliament what
they have done for the Hindu community lately?"

Explaining the significance of the bhumi-puja ceremony, Gauri Dasa commented
that it was a Hindu ritual that reminded humans to live in harmony with
mother nature. He continued, "At this ceremony, we offer prayers to Mother
Earth to ask for permission and forgiveness for our digging and excavation.

"The Hindu tradition stresses the interdependence between humans and nature,
especially cows and bulls, with whom we have a special relationship. The
gentle and innocent cow is respected like a mother figure as she nourishes
us with life-giving milk."

Plans for building Europe's largest Cow Protection Centre, called New Gokul
were approved by Hertsmere Borough Council after numerous planning
applications and a pubic enquiry.

Many councilors had indicated that they were impressed with the design and
sustainable character of the proposed farm buildings.

"In Britain, 3.38 million cows and bulls are killed every year. Nearly all
young bulls die before they reach their third birthday," concluded Gauri
Dasa. "But at New Gokul, we will demonstrate new ways of ethical,
compassionate and sustainable farming."

9:52am today


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Regards
Pat Gardiner
www.go-self-sufficient.com


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