i) Param Pujaniya Golokvasi Sant Shri Dongreji Maharaj
(15-02-1926 – 08-11-1990):
Maharajji used to narrate Bhagwat Katha in his Amrut Vani (nectar like voice) at the places spread over entire Bharat and thereby he inspired people to work according to and for the cause of our Sanatan Dharma. He was the inspiration for people to do Goseva (Protecting and sheltering the cows). With inspiration from Maharajji, hundreds of the Goshalas (Cow shelters) were established.
During his Bhagwat Katha in Akola in the year 1986, he told the volunteers, that by serving for the cause of cow progeny the purpose of life (purpose for which god sent us on earth) is accomplished. Our devotion itself for the well being of cow progeny, would show us the future path.The volunteers gave serious thought to this guidance by Maharajji and the work for cow protection began which took the shape of our present organization, “Adarsh Goseva Evam Anusandhan Prakalp, Akola”.
ii) Param Pujaniya Sadhwi Pritisudhaji Ma. Sa.:
She renounced the world and became ascetic (Sanyasini) in 1972. Her devotion for cows and her enchanting spiritual discourses have encouraged establishment of new Goshalas (cow shelters) at different places. Our Prakalp is being blessed by her inspiring guidance since last 25 years. Her entire life is devoed for Jiv jantu rakshan (Protection and welfare of all the creatures and animals) and for the social cause.
At our Mhaispur Akola site, a gate for the entry to one of the cow shades has been named as “Jain Sadhwi Pa. Poo. Pritisudhaji Ma. Sa. Ashtottar shata Govansh Pravesh Dwar.” This is our small and humble effort for remembering her contribution to the spiritual and social cause and cause of the cows.
iii) Swami Shri Govinddev Giriji Maharaj (Acharya Shri Kishorji Vyas) (Born in 1949 ):
Maharajji has been working for the social cause since his age of 15. He is well known not only in Bharat but also in distant foreign countries, thanks to his spellbinding discourses on Bhagwad Gita, Srimad Bhagwat, Yog Washishtha, Shiv Puran, Gnyaneshwari, Dasbodh, great epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata etc.
After his primary education he joined Tatvadnyan Vidyapeeth founded by Pujya Shri Pandhurang Shastri Athavale (founder of Swadhyay movement).
He is B.A. degree holder in the subject of Philosophy. He also secured a degree, Darshanacharya from Varanasi. He emphasizes on Bal Sanskar (embedding fundamental values of Sanatan Dharma in the children).
Swamiji has started ‘Gita Parivar’ movement, which works for children and human welfare at national and international level. Realizing that it is necessary to revive Vedic education for spiritual upliftment of mankind, he founded ‘Maharshi Vedvyas Pratishthan’ in 1990. Within the ambit of this Pratishthan, 34 Vaidic Gurukul (residential schools with no costs to students) are functional in Bharat. As a centre for all these 34 Gurukul, a huge project, ‘Vedashri Tapovan’ is under construction. In Vedashri Tapovan, all the facilities will be available to the willing students for education and research in higher knowledge in Ved, Grammer, Vedang, Upaved like Ayurved and others. Important task of revival of Vedic Sanskriti will be accomplished through Vedashri Tapovan. He has recently founded ‘Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Ashram’ in Toronto, Canada. He is endeavouring his level best to re-establish the rich Vedic culture of our Sanatan Bharat and for this purpose, he is awakening the people of the whole world through his efficacious discourses.
He also stresses on importance of Cow Protection and Sheltering. He has been our guiding force since our organisation’s inception. He has visited our orgnisation on variour occasions and guided and encouraged us.
Favourite saying of Swamiji is: “वेद बिना मति नही | गाय बिना गति नही |”
(Meaning: “No wisdom without studing Ved. No development without cow.”)
iv)Golokavasi Shri Moreshwar Nilkanth Pingle alias Moropant Pingle (30.12.1919 – 21.09.2003):
Moropant was senior office-bearer of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He was honoured with the title, ‘Hindu Jagaran ke Sarsenani’ (Chief fighter for awakening of Hindu). He shouldered various responsibilities during his work of 65 years as RSS pracharak (RSS volunteer), amongst which Akhil Bharatiya Baudhik Pramukh was his highest responsibility. During the agitation of ‘Ramjanmabhumi’, he was honoured with the title of ‘Field marshal’ by Bharatiya media for his successful leading roll. RSS started many a projects under the leadership of Moropant. Cow research, Discovery of river Saraswati, Rewriting the history are few examples. Because of which, he was being called as ‘Prakalp Purush’ (The Project Man). He used to distance himself from fame.
He was the pioneer of the cow movement. We are fortunate that we had his guidance from the inception of our organization.
He used to say:
“भारत को फिरसे एकसंध बनाने के लिए गाय का ही आश्रय करना पडेगा|”
(Meaning: Cow only can reunite India.)
v) Golokwasi Shri Shankarlalji Khandelwal (01.08.1920 – 19.01.1995 ):
If Shri Shankarlalji is to be described in one sentence, we can say that during his life span, he lived for the society. Apart from being straunchly associated with Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh, he was involved and active in all spheres of the society. He was founder member and instrumental in incepting/managing schools, colleges, hospitals, Bank, Vanvasi Ashram, Gorakshan Sanstha etc.
His contribution in expansion of Radhakisan Toshniwal Ayurved college is worth mentioning. He was president of the college for 8 years.
He was also actively associated with social works like Bangladesh Satyagraha, Goldsmith movement, Oppossing Emergency (all of these activitis resulted in his imprisonment for each cause), journalism, helping draught affected people of Akola in 1959 and 1978 etc.
His political life too was notable. In the Municipal committee, Akola, he was a member/secretary and vice president. He was president of Bharatiya Jansangh, Akola city.
Shri Shankarlalji passed away in 1995. His legacy of social work is now being successfully shouldered by his son, Shri Gopalji Khandelwal. In addition to be associated with various social activites, Shri Gopalji is the treasurer of our organization.
Our organisation came in to existence only because of Shri Shankarlalji’s benevolence of donating ten acers of land at Mhaispur Akola to Adarsh Sanskar Mandal in 1993. In 1999 this land was transferred on long lease to our organization, i.e. Adarsh Goseva Evam Anusandhan Prakalp, Akola.
vi) Golokwasi Shri Narayan Deorao Pandhripande (Nadep Kaka)
(1919 – 18.11.2002 ):
Born at Khandwa in M.P. in 1919, he quit his school education at Nagpur to join Gandhiji’s Nai Talim at Sevagram Ashram, Wardha (M.S.) in 1939. There he met Dr. J.C. Kumarappa & was influenced by J.C.’s philosophy of Rural Reconstruction. He joined the Quit India Movement in 1942 and went underground, only to emerge at Pusad, which became his Karmabhumi (City where he settled and worked.)
After 20 years of research, he developed one of the seven established methods of Compost manufacture which gives 30 Kg. of Compost from 1 KG of Cow dung, known as NADEP Compost. He did not go for patent. Instead he wished that more and more people should use this manure. It has been acknowledged as the best compost manufacturing method by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. In a natural consequence, Dr. J.C. Kumarappaji gave him a nick name, “Nadep Kaka” ( NADEP means National Development Proframme).
Nadep Kaka had a vision for micro solution to the country’s macro problems. According to him, “India has enough material to produce the necessary 240 crore tonnes of Nadep compost, which can create employment for 8 crore people and will contribute Rs. 1,40,000 crore to national income. This would raise per capita income by Rs. 1600 and our agriculture would be free from chemical fertilizers. Bio-degradable waste is used for manufacture of NADEP compost, which helps keeping our villages neat and clean”.
His other cow dung-based inventions are, “Angrag Gomayadi Tikia and Powder (Bathing soap & powder),” “Govishwadeo Dhoop”(Incense stick for environmental balance), “Tap Nirodhak Lep”(Coating to control temperature). The last one earned him award, “Ramabai Audyogik Puraskar” from Maratha chambers of commerce, Pune.
Other institutions which bestowed awards on Nadep Kaka are as follows:
- IIT New Delhi
- Banaras Hindu Vishwa Vidyalaya
- Vasantrao Naik Smruti Pratisthan
- Khadi Gramodyog Ayog, Mumbai
- Bhartiya Govansh Pratisthan, New Delhi
- Shri Guruji Puraskar, Nagpur
As a token of gratitude towards Nadep Kaka, we have named one of the cow shelters at our Mhaispur site as, “Swa. Nadep Kaka Govishramgruh”
vii) Shri Kesarichandaji Sampatrayji Baidmutha (Mehta) Oswal (Born-04.10.1930):
Originally, Shri Kesarichandji’s family is from Rajasthan. For business purpose, he settled in Malegaon, Dist. Nasik (M.S.). After getting introduced to Shri Vinobaji Bhave, he joined the Govansh Raksha Abhiyan (Protect the Cow progeny Movement). Through this institution, he saved lacs of cow progeny from illegal slaughtering. Inspite of having formal education only up to 8th standard, he studied law and pleaded in the courts of law in the interest of Cow progeny and thus did a great job of saving cow progeny from illegal slaughter.
One of his historical deeds was, he stopped a train illegally transporting bullocks from Rajasthan to Deonar abattoir, under the pretex of farming. He took custody of all the bullocks through the court of law and thus saved the lives of thousands of cow Progeny.
He also obtained stay through a petition in Jodhpur High Court, on booking of the calves for transportation in trains which has resulted in stoppage of such transportation from Rajasthan to Bihar, since the year 2000. This action of his has saved lacs of calves. Subsequently the High Court and the Supreme Court decided this case in favour of the plaintiff i.e. Shri Kesarichandji.
He published a book through Viniyog Parivar, Mumbai and Akhil Bharatiya Krishi Goseva Sangh, Wardha, containing all the judjements delivered by the High Courts and the Supreme Court in the cases relating to Cow progeny. This has helped the Goshalas (Cow Shelters) and volunteers in cow progeny’s protection works, to a great extent.
He used to benevolently supply Cow-fodder to Goshalas (Cow shelters) in need.
Once there happned to be severe famine in Rajasthan. Shri Kesarichandji booked special trains carrying fodder to Rajasthan.
He is associated with all the work relating to Cancer Hospital at Waghaldhara, Gujarat from it’s inception to the date. He has arranged treatment of cancer patients by Panchagavya (medicine prepared from five ingredients from indigenous cow i.e. milk, ghee, curd, urine and dung).
He occupied following prestigious positions:
- Karyadhyaksha, Akhil Bharatiya Krishi Goseva Sang, Wardha (M.S.) (Executive President, All India Agriculture Cow – Service union, Wardha (M.S.).
- Karyakarini Sadasya, Bhartiya Jiv jantu Kalyan Board ( Bharat Sarkar). (Executive Committee Member, Animal Welfare Board of India (Govt. Of India).
- Sadasya, Govansh Ayog (Constituted by Govt. of India). (Member, Cow progeny commission).
- Chairman, Law Committee.
Very first guidance to our institution in respect of laws relating to protection of cow progeny, procedures, how to actually implement the protection work i.e. saving cow progeny from illegal transportation and slaughtering, was given by Shri Kesarichandji.
By the grace of god, even at age of 88, he is active with vigor and zest. We pray that, may the Almighty keep him fit & healthy in the long times to come for the noble cause of Goseva (Working for the cause of cow progeny).
viii) Golokvasi Dr. Shri Gaurishankarji Jethmalji Randad (Maheshwari) (11.04.1935 – 30.05.2000):
Dr. Gaurishankarji was born in Makarana city in Rajasthan. His primary school education was in Makarana. In the year 1953, at the age of 18, he arrived at Mumbai in search of livelihood. In the year 1966, he developed an ‘import substitute’ in the field of chemicals and in the year 1974-75, he developed micro-energy for the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India. Both these works were highly appreciated at the national level.
From the year 1990 onwards, Dr. Gaurishankarji devoted for social works like treating the diseases with Panchagavya, ‘Swadeshi Andolan’’ i.e. spreading awareness about farming without chemical fertilsers, re-establishing the importance of Cow progeny etc.
In march 1996, an International Seminar was held at Lala Lajpat Rai College, Mumbai on Alternate Therapies. Dr. Gaurishankarji presented his research paper on ‘Cow Therapy’, which was acclaimed as the ‘Best Presentation.”
The open International University for Complementary Medicines honoured Dr. Gaurishankarji by conferring on him Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
He left this material world for Golokwas on 30thMay 2000. His son Shri Uttambabu Maheshwari, Ex Pracharak R.S.S., is now devoted to take forward the work of Dr. Gaurishankarji with a scientific view. Shri Uttambabu has authored many a book, which have since been published.
“We arranged a Cow Therapy Camp for patients with Heart problems at Akola in 1998. Shri gaurishankarji personally treated the patients in this camp.”
Shri Gaurishankarji had Special attachment for our Adarsh Goseva Prakalp. He had travelled to many cities of Bharat with volunteers for creating awareness in the society for the cause of Cow progeny. During many Chaturmas (four sacred months in a Bhartiya Calneder year) observed by Jain Sadhwi Vanibhushan Shri Pritisudhaji Ma. Sa., Shri Gaurishankarji used to elaborate to the gathering of the devotees, the importance and utilities of cow progeny.
ix) Golokvasi Rajvaidya Shri Revashankarji Sharma (15.08.1935-16.03.2018):
Shri Revashankarji was born on 15th Aug. 1935 at Ratlai (Zalawade), Rajasthan. His Karmabhumi (place of work during life time) too was Ratlai. He was a pioneer of Gomutra (Cow urine) treatment and research. The task of officially treating by Gomutra Therapy and research was assigned to him by Jivjantu Kalyan Board (Animal Welfare Board, Govt. of India) and Rashtriya Goseva Aayog (National Cow Service Commission). He secured a degree of D.S.C. (Ayurvedacharya) and earned a fame as Kamdhenu Chikitsak (Cow Therapy Specialist) in Panchgavya Chikitsa (Panchagavya Treatment).
He trained the volunteers in preparation of medicines from Gomutra and Panchagavya with a view to making every single Goshala in Bharat, financially independent. He penned three books viz. Gomutra Mahoshadhi, Gomutra Chikitsa Panchagavya Panchamrut, Pathyapathya Chikitsa. He also wrote many articles on Gomutra Chikitsa (Treatment with indigenous cow’s urine), which were published in different news papers & magazines.
His main goal in life was, “Healthy Bharat through ‘Cow in every house and Goshala in every village & city.’
For his invaluable contribution in the field of treatment by cow’s urine & Panchagavya, many honours were bestowed upon him:
- ‘Gold medal’ by Tatanagar Goshala, Jamshedpur
- ‘Vhrishabh Shri Award Medal’ by Kautil Sirojes Foundation, Delhi.
- ‘Gaupratipalak Award’ by Bharatiya Govansh Rakshan-Samvardhan Parishad, Delhi.
- Title of ‘Rajvaidya’ by Maharaja Udesinhaji Bahadoor of Kaluheda State.
He was associated with different Government and private institutions related to his field of work:
- Technical Advisor and Director – Panchagavya, Rajasthan Goseva Aayog.
- Trainer – Panchagavya, Animal Welfare Board, Govt. of India.
- President, Govigyan Samiti.
- Director/Founder member of many Goshalas.
At our Mhaispur site, during 1995-96, Shri Revashankarji taught preparing medicines from Gomutra and Panchagavya to our volunteers. This helped us in starting our own unit to manufacture Panchagavya based Medicines, which has not only enabled our organization to be financially independent to a great extent but also people are benefited from these affordable medicines.
He also arranged two camps in Akola for treatment by Gomutra therapy. In these camps, he treated hundreds of the patients with Gomutra medicines and enlightened them about utilites of Gomutra therapy.
Shri Revashankarji left for hevenly Golokwas on 16th March 2018. The precious work he had done during his life is like Deepasthambha (Lighthouse) for us, which will guide and show us future path forever.
x) Shri Hukumchandji Sawla (Indore, M.P.):
He started his service to the society as R.S.S. Pracharak (Volunteer). During the period of ban on R.S.S., he went underground and continued his work. He successfully handled the responsibilities as Regional Head of Saraswathi Shishu Mandir, M.P. He was also the manager of the daily Swadesh Akhbar, published from M.P. For many years he taught in a school and simultaneously he embedded the ancient Bhartiya values and culture in the students.
He was Divisional Organiser Minister (Prant Sanghatan Mantri) and Area Organiser Minister (Kshetra Sanghatan Mantri) of Vishwa Hindu Parishad. He was also selected as a member of Bhartiya Jivjantu Kalyan Board, Govt. of India and Rashtriya Govansh Aayog, Delhi.
He has been travelling throughout the country since 1967 and obtained blessings of saints, monks and Jain Muni Ma.Sa. by personally calling on them and organizing them.
He headed the mass protest to shut down Alkabir abattoir. He was also in lead roll in mass protest to shut down abottoir at Derabshi Punjab Mitli, Punjab.
He is blessed by Saraswati, Godess of knowledge and arts, which is evident from his knowledgeable and forceful eloquence. He has addressed large gatherings and seminars at hundreds of the places on the subjects like Cow and Economy, Cow and Science, Cow and Agriculture, Cow and Environment. We can see him and listen from time to time, his discourses on all the above referred subjects and the important social issues on TV channels like Zee TV, Astha, Sanskar etc.
Shri Hukumchandji is the well known writer, poet and intense and awesome orator. His book, ‘Prahar’, which is the collection of his poetry is very famous. His other published literature are books viz. Jai Gomata – Jai Gopalan, Jai Panchagavya, Divya Gomata etc. In recognition of his illustrious social works, he has been accorded many National and International awards.
He had been Sanghatan Mantri of Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Bharatiya Govansh Rakshan Parishad, Govansh Hatya Evam Mauns Niryat Nirodh Parishad, Rashtriya Gorakshan Aandolan Samiti for twenty years. Presently he is National Vice President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and In charge (Prabhari) of Gorakshan Ashram.
xi)Golokvasi Justice Shri Gumanmalji Lodha (1926 – 22.03.2009):
He was born in Nagaur District of Rajasthan. He secured degrees of B.Com. and LL.B. from Jaswant College, Jodhpur. He was a freedom fighter and was imprisoned in 1942.
He became Chief Justice of Gauhatti High court. Later he became member of Loksabha.
He joined Janasangh and was it’s President for State Unit, Rajasthan during the period from 1969 to 1971. He was a staunch activist for the cause of cow progeny.
During the tenor as the Chairman for Animal Welfare Board of India, he extended financial assistance and honoured our organization as, ‘Model Goshala.’ He visited our Mhaispur site twice on different occasions. He was always available for extending his help and guidance to our organzation
xii)Golokvasi Ahitagni Somyaji Shri Narayan Govind Kale Guruji alias Nana Kale:
He fonded Shri Yogiraj Ved Vigyan Ashram at Kasarvadi, Tq. Barshi, Dist. Solapur. During his life time he accomplished many a rare religious rites like Parjanya Yag, Mahavarun Yag, Nitya Prjanya Yag and proved with the help of scientific instruments that these Yag were successful in increasing rainfall quantitatively or increased the chances of rains. During the year 2015, he performed Parjanya Yag at the places of Jyotirlinga for sufficient rains in the country, which showed positive results. He also once performed Ashwamedh Yagya.
He extended his full guidance and cooperation in starting Shri Dongreji Maharaj Vedvigyan Ashram and Yagyashala at our Mhaispur site, which had following goals:
-To protect and continue the Tradition of Gurukul i.e. students stay and work at the home of Guru and learn Ved and other holy texts like Shrimad Bhagwat, Upanishad and Sannskrit lanuage etc.
-To conduct research in the effects of Parjanya Yag for sufficient rainfall.
-To perform rituals of Homhavan and Yagyayag in the traditional and authentic ways.
Nana guruji’s ultimate aim was protection of Cow progeny and Ved.
He left for heavenly abode on the auspicious day of Vijayadashami, 11.10.2016 at the age of 84.
xiii)Haribhakata Parayan Shri Sanjayji Maharaj Pachpor:
He is associated with the cow movement. Our organization is greatly benefited by his invaluable and regular guidance. He participated in many a Camps and other events held by our organization and guided the participants and gathering on different subjects related to cow progeny and Bharatiya sanskriti.
He has started in different parts of Maharashtra, many a projects relating to Goseva, Spirituality, Holy teachings of Sanatan Sanskriti. He was instrumental and inspiration for establishing 48 self dependent Goshala (Cow shelters) in Maharashtra. He conducts many Hindu sacrament camps for children in different parts of Maharashtra, which have reached to 185 in number last year. Till date he has renovated 240 Hindu temples in different villages and towns in Maharashtra, with the help of locals. He has adopted 100 villages/towns in the tribal region of Satpuda (Maharashtra) for enlighting the locals spiritually, where practices like morning walk and weekly Aarati ( praying the God by singing religios verses) are scrupulously followed by the locals.
He regularly visits various villages/towns/cities for religious conferences, establishment of Ashram with the cooperation from locals, delivering discourses on Shrimad Bhagwat, Ramayana etc. He is lovingly called ‘Ramayanacharya’ for his authority on the ancient epic, ‘Ramayana.’
xiv)Unforgettable Go-sevak:
We can never forget the invaluable contributions of Shri Dayama Maharaj, Golokvasi Shri Murlidhar alias Nanasaheb Ghate, Shri Ratanlalji Khandelwal, Smt. Manjudevi and Shri Vikrambabu Goenka, Shri Tulsiramji Goenka, Golokvasi Shri Vinayakrao alias Mama Kondolikar, Shri Wamanrao Thakre, Golokvasi Shri Ramnikbhai Ganatra, Golokvasi Shri Maganbhai Patel, Golokvasi Shri Dhirailalji Sayani and others, whose photographs are posted in the ‘Gallery’ section under the head ‘Unforgatable Go sevak’
The list of mahanubhav (greats) mentioned in para (i) to (xiv) above is not exhaustive. On our path of Goseva, we met and are still meeting umpteen number of Mahanubhav (greats), who have shown and are showing light to us and who have actually toiled/are toiling for the noble cause of growth of our organization for spreading/maximising work of Goseva. Not mentioning these mahanubhav here for the lack of space, will never lessen the importance of their contribution.
