TTD Distributes Cows to 195 Temples Under Gudiko Gomata Scheme

Quick Summary

• Under the ‘Gudiko Gomata’ scheme, cows are being distributed to temples across India for daily ‘Go Puja.’
• As its inception, 195 temples have received free cows and calves.
• The initiative is spearheaded by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), with Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao emphasizing the meaning of cow protection.
• the TTD managed Sri Venkateswara gosamrakshanashala in Tirupati currently houses 2,789 animals including cows, bulls, elephants, and horses.
• cow-derived products like milk, butter and ghee are used in rituals at temples and distributed at Annaprasadam centers and canteens.
• Advanced breeding techniques like Embryo Transfer Technology have produced 47 superior Sahiwal calves; 539 native cows were brought to goshalas through devotees’ contributions.
• Plans are underway to add more indigenous breeds-Gir, Kankrej, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi-with public participation.
• S.V. Cattle Fodder Production Unit has been established with ₹12.25 crore investment by TTD to ensure quality cattle feed supply.
• A committee oversees animal health, breeding practices, welfare standards.

Published Date: August 16, 2025

Indian opinion Analysis

The ‘Gudiko Gomata’ initiative reflects a broader push towards integrating cultural traditions like cow worship with logistical support for animal husbandry practices in India. By utilizing goshalas as centers of resource production for temple rituals and public distribution through programs like Annaprasadam centers-steps are being taken for multi-faceted utility of these resources beyond symbolic worship.

Notably significant is the focus on indigenous cattle breeds which aligns with ongoing national-level efforts to preserve biodiversity while reducing reliance on foreign livestock varieties that might be less suited to local environments. Investments in modern technologies such as Embryo Transfer Techniques signal an intention not only towards tradition but also innovation-driven animal care.

However neutral considerations would question feasible scalability potential; adding cost accountability metrics if projections expansioniaditionalValidationKey