Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati is set to launch the Go-LX app as part of his cow protection campaign. Speaking during his ongoing cow protection yatra, the Shankaracharya said the platform would only facilitate the ‘purchase’ of cows, not their sale.
He said anyone from the Sanatani community wishing to take responsibility for a cow would have to sign an agreement. A licence would also be issued stating that the cow was being taken for service and protection purposes.
He added that periodic checks would be conducted to ensure the animals remain safe and properly cared for. According to the Shankaracharya, ‘Gau-Dham’ centres will be opened in all 4,123 Assembly constituencies across the country to house cows purchased through the platform.
He clarified that the initiative is meant only for indigenous Indian cows and not for foreign breeds.
Three main features of the Go-LX app
Only ‘Purchase’, No sale
Although the process on the app will function in a manner similar to OLX, the platform will only facilitate the “purchase” of cows.
Organisations and Sanatani individuals will be able to take indigenous Indian breed cows directly from farmers under their protection by offering “neg-nyochhawar” — a traditional offering or donation.
Crowd funding for cow care
The organisation said it does not currently have sufficient funds for fodder and maintenance of cows. Under the proposed system, multiple people will be able to collectively take responsibility for one cow.
Licence and service agreement
If someone wishes to take a cow from Gau-Dham to their home for service, Jyotishpeeth will issue a “Cow Rearing Licence” along with a formal agreement. If the individual later becomes unable to care for the cow, it must be returned to the Gau-Dham.
Now read the conversation with Shankaracharya
When will the Go-LX website and app be launched?
Our app and website, 1008.guru, are already available. We are now adding this feature to the same platform. The technicians associated with us say it will take around 20 to 25 days to develop the new app feature. We will launch it once it is ready.”
Why did you choose the name Go-LX?
We did not choose the name because OLX is widely advertised. The name was selected because people are familiar with the OLX process. If we communicate in a language the younger generation understands, they will grasp the message quickly.
How will ordinary people list cows on the platform?
This is a different kind of process. There is no buying and selling here; there is only purchasing. People wanting to give away cows will post advertisements on the app. We will take responsibility for cows from any part of the country. Our intention is not to sell cows. We will care for them throughout their lives.
Where will all these cows be kept?
We are discussing this. Naturally, cows from across the country cannot be transported to one place. At least one unit will need to be established in every state so that cows remain within their respective states.
Where will funding for the campaign come from?
Three kinds of funding are required, first, to acquire cows; second, to build shelters; and third, for fodder, water and medicines. We are not wealthy industrialists. We do not have money, but we do have determination. Sanatani people are contacting us. We tell them that they should buy at least one cow themselves so that it is saved from slaughter.
If they face difficulty caring for the cow, they can keep it at our Gau-Dham. The cow will still belong to them. Through the website, we will provide daily updates about the animal’s condition. They can take the cow back whenever they wish.
How will Gau-Dham centres be managed?
Ideally, one Gau-Dham will be established in each of the country’s 4,123 Assembly constituencies.
The area of one Assembly constituency is not so large that it cannot be managed properly. In this way, owners will be able to visit Gau-Dham, feed the cows, care for them and serve them personally.
There will be a central management team. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be created and every Gau-Dham will function according to those SOPs.
Will only your organisation be able to acquire cows through the app?
We have already said that anyone can take responsibility for a cow. Our aim is not to gather cows in one place. Our objective is to save them from slaughter. At present, the media is portraying a narrative that Hindus earn their livelihood only by selling cows. This initiative is against that narrative.
What qualifications will cow caretakers need?
Anyone taking a cow through us will receive a licence from Jyotishpeeth stating that they have signed a bond for the cow’s service. The person will sign an agreement stating that the cow is being taken for service purposes. If they are later unable to care for it, they will not sell it elsewhere but return it to us.
Will the app deal only with old cows?
It is not true that only old cows are sent for slaughter. Since our aim is to prevent slaughter, cows of every category will be included. We will develop a system to ensure proper maintenance, healthcare and breeding of registered cows. Periodic inspections will also be conducted.
Will funds also be raised through the app?
Certainly, funding will be required. But this will not be a system where people simply hand over money to us. When a cow becomes available, it will be displayed on the platform along with the required amount. People will be informed that if the cow is not taken, it may go for slaughter.
Several people can collectively take responsibility for one cow. They may either keep the cow themselves or allow it to remain in our Gaushala.
How will cow prices be decided?
The owner of any property has the right to decide its value. We are not truly ‘buyers’ of cows. We only use the word because it is commonly understood. In reality, no one should have the right either to buy or sell cows. The idea is simply that the cow will remain with us, and in return, the owner may accept an offering or donation.
