early times report
Akhnoor, Nov 24: A spiritually vibrant and serene atmosphere marked the inauguration of the newly constructed Yagyashala at Jai Maa Surabhi Gaushala in Akhnoor on Monday. The ceremony was formally conducted by Akhnoor MLA Mohan Lal Bhagat, who opened the Yagyashala built uniquely with sacred soil brought from major pilgrimage sites across the country, enhancing its religious significance manifold. Following the inauguration, priests Pandit Raman Sharma and Pandit Deep Raj performed an elaborate havan ceremony amidst chanting of Vedic mantras.
During the occasion, MLA Bhagat also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a protection wall worth ₹20 lakh, sanctioned by the Flood Control Department. He stated that the wall is essential for safeguarding the Gaushala, especially in view of the recurring rainfall and flood-like conditions witnessed in the recent past, and assured that the work would be completed at the earliest.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Bhagat emphasized that Gaushalas hold a sanctified place in Sanatan Dharma and that every yajna conducted in such premises carries immense spiritual value. He noted that, according to Hindu tradition, 33 crore deities reside within Gau Mata and that serving the cow is regarded as one of the highest forms of virtue. He praised the Gaushala Committee for its continuous efforts toward development and informed that several new enhancement projects—including tile work, temple construction, and other infrastructural improvements—would commence shortly. He appealed to all devotees and followers of Sanatan Dharma to come forward and contribute to service activities at the Gaushala.
Jai Maa Surabhi Gaushala Committee President Anav Langer expressed gratitude to MLA Bhagat, recalling how heavy rains and flooding in recent weeks had caused considerable damage to the Gaushala. Upon being informed, the MLA promptly ensured the approval of funds for the protection wall. He informed that the newly built Yagyashala is now open to the public, and anyone wishing to perform havan or yajna may do so with proper rituals at the Gaushala. He also shared that, aiming for self-sufficiency, the Gaushala has introduced a machine for producing cow-dung wood (laddi) and will soon install units for upla production and biogas generation. The Gaushala continues to provide care and treatment to cattle rescued from smuggling attempts as well as stray cattle from nearby areas.
He further highlighted that local residents, volunteers, and social activists have been making significant contributions to the Gaushala’s functioning. A temple is also planned for construction within the premises soon. He urged people to visit regularly and extend support towards cow protection and welfare.
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent personalities including Sarpanch Gura Brahmana (East) Shamsher Singh, Mahant Keshav Shastri, Rohit Gupta, Suresh Gupta (Bittu), Rakesh Gupta, Roshan Baral, KD Sharma, Bansi Lal Verma, Kuldeep Sharma (Tiku), Vinay Sapolia, Anil Sharma, Dev Raj Bhagat, Vishal Sapolia, Rabia Khajuria, Vikrant Bral, Ankush Gupta, Advocate Karan Sharma, Gaurav Sharma, Shiv Bairagi, Sham Magotra, Rahul Langer, Ashok Gupta, Tilak Raj Gupta, Vishal Sangral, Raj Kumar, among many other dignitaries.
The ceremony concluded with devotional fervor as attendees appreciated the development initiatives undertaken for the upliftment of the Gaushala. |
