Chandigarh, March 1:- Haryana Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that cow service is not just a matter of religious faith, but it is a strong foundation of Indian culture, social harmony and nation building. The service of cow mother is equal to the service of one's own parents and the blessings received from it make both the society and the nation prosperous and capable. In Sanatan culture, cow mother has the place of 33 crore gods and goddesses, therefore there can be no greater act of piety than cow service.
He was addressing as the chief guest at the 126th annual function of Gaushala located in Bhatgaon. On this occasion, he announced a grant of Rs. 11 lakh to strengthen the development and management of the Gaushala. Sharing his personal experiences, Dr Sharma said that in the year 1995-96, he received the support and blessings of Pujyan Narayan Das Maharaj Ji. The time spent in Narayan Ashram instilled in him a deep sense of devotion and dedication towards cow service. He said that his family—grandfather, father and wife—all have had a special devotion towards cow service, which guides their life and work style. The Cabinet Minister said that in the year 1996, when he was in the fray, there were about 90-94 cow shelters in Haryana, while today more than 700 registered cow shelters are functioning in the state. This increase is proof that the devotion, love and dedication towards cow service among the residents of the state is constantly increasing. He said that a drop by drop fills the pot and when 36 communities work together, only then does the society receive true blessings.
Dr. Sharma said that the cow shelters are run on charity and it is not the size of the donation but the spirit behind it that is important. He said that the state government is working seriously for the conservation and propagation of the cow herd. Proper arrangements of fodder, clean drinking water, medical facilities and balanced diet are being ensured in the cow shelters. Health check-ups are conducted by veterinarians from time to time so that the health of the cow herd remains excellent.
He informed that on March 3, Haryana Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini will attend the program to be organized in Bhatgaon and will also distribute cheques of grant amount for other cow shelters from here. He appealed to the residents of the area to participate in the program in maximum number and make it a success.

**Development and culture together
Dr. Sharma said that the progress of the country and the state is possible only by strengthening the ancient culture. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is setting new milestones of development. Many public welfare schemes are being effectively implemented by the Central and Haryana governments for farmers, laborers, women, youth, traders, employees, Dalits, backward classes and families of martyrs. He said that if there is any deficiency in the development works, then the public should give their suggestions, the government is committed to taking every positive suggestion seriously and moving forward.
The Minister informed that an amount of Rs. 2 lakh 40 thousand has been approved for the reconstruction of the broken statue of the martyr in Farmana village and the repair work will be completed soon.