Visva-Bharati University to Establish Cowshed for Stray Cattle in Sriniketan
Visva-Bharati University is taking a significant step to address the issue of stray cows in its township by setting up a dedicated cowshed at Sriniketan, a neighborhood adjacent to Santiniketan that hosts several university departments. This initiative aims to provide shelter and care for the animals roaming the streets, with a comprehensive plan for their welfare.
Comprehensive Plan for Cattle Care and Sustainability
Vice-Chancellor Probir Kumar Ghosh announced the plan at a press meet on Wednesday, detailing the arrangements. The cowshed will include feeding areas and drinking water facilities for the animals. Two adjacent plots will be utilized for growing fodder and grazing, allowing the cattle to graze during the day and be tethered in the shed at night. Ghosh emphasized the environmental benefits, stating that the plan will help keep the campus clean while ensuring the unattended cattle receive proper nourishment and health care.
"The plan is environment friendly and will benefit everyone. Our campus will remain clean and at the same time the unattended cattle will get fodder and be healthy," Ghosh said. He added that if any owner claims a cow, they must provide proof and will be fined for letting the animal stray, reinforcing accountability.
Utilizing Resources for Educational and Energy Purposes
The university plans to leverage the cowshed for practical benefits. Fresh milk from the cows will be served to children at Patha Bhavana, enhancing nutrition for students. Additionally, biogas produced from organic waste, particularly cow dung, will be used to power lights and fans in the area, promoting sustainable energy solutions. This aligns with the university's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
A campus source noted that Visva-Bharati already has a dairy farm under its agriculture institute, Palli Siksha Bhavana, established in 1906 on Rabindranath Tagore's initiative to provide practical lessons for agriculture students. However, this is the first time a shed is being built specifically for stray cattle. A teacher mentioned that a similar proposal for a gaushala was floated around 2016-2017 but was dropped after protests, highlighting the renewed effort under current leadership.
Broader University Initiatives and Future Plans
During the press meet, VC Ghosh also shared updates on other university endeavors. Visva-Bharati has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the chancellor, for its upcoming convocation and is awaiting a date from the PMO. For the first time, the university will participate in the QS World Rankings, with all necessary documents submitted, and it will continue its involvement in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Ghosh expressed optimism about improving the quality of education at the institution.
By April, the university aims to become "paperless" to enhance transparency and monitoring. An MoU has been signed with the Asiatic Society to digitize documents from Rabindra Bhavana, the Central Library, and the Central Office free of charge within two years, with the Society also providing staff training. Ghosh emphasized ongoing efforts to interact with students and alumni to address grievances and ensure campus protection according to UNESCO guidelines with local administration cooperation.
