This man is on a mission to rescue and save more cattle

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In the heart of Vadner, Maharashtra, the story of ‘Vidhyapranmya Paryawaran wa Gosanwardhan Gaushala’ is a powerful example of what compassion and unwavering dedication can achieve. Founded by Bhausaheb Vilas Tambile, this sanctuary has become a lifeline for cows and bulls that would otherwise face a grim fate.

Bhausaheb’s journey began long before the official formation of the gaushala. With a diploma in computer science, he initially worked in Pune, but his heart was always tethered to his family’s farming roots. "Our family has always been animal carers and lovers," he shares with ImpactStories.in. This intrinsic bond with animals and the encouragement from his father ignited his passion to return to his roots and dedicate himself to animal welfare.

Challenges and Growth‍

Starting with just 5-10 cows on their own land, the family's compassion became known in their community. As more people began leaving their cattle with them, the numbers grew. By 2016, they were caring for over 45 cows and bulls. "I decided to go full-time into taking care of these innocent lives," Bhausaheb says, reflecting on his decision to leave his job and fully commit to the cause.

The transition to a registered NGO - ‘विद्याप्रणम्य पर्यावरण एवं गोसंवर्धन गौशाला’, under the guidance of Jain muni Shri Acharya Vidhyasagarji, marked a significant turning point. However, this journey was fraught with challenges. “Once we had around 50 cattle, it became a challenge to have them in our place due to shortage of space,” Bhausaheb recalls. Basic infrastructure was lacking, and the process of registering an NGO was a daunting task.

Their dedication soon attracted more animals, often those rescued from butchers or illegal trafficking. “We had to face a lot of corruption and received threats dealing with government officials,” Bhausaheb recounts. The sudden influx of animals strained their resources, leading to severe shortages of fodder, water, and manpower. Yet, the kindness of nearby residents who pitched in to help made a significant difference.

Living in a dry region with no nearby water bodies added another layer of difficulty. The family had to make multiple trips daily, covering 5 kilometers to fetch water in a 1000-liter tank. Despite these hardships, their resolve remained unshaken.

Impact of the Gaushala

The impact of Bhausaheb’s work is profound. “We have rescued and saved more than 630 cows,” Bhausaheb proudly shares with ImpactStories.in. Currently, they care for over 230 cattle, and more than 400 cows have been donated to farmers in need. The community’s perception has shifted dramatically. “People initially thought we were making profits, but now they understand our genuine commitment to animal care,” he explains.

Their efforts have also garnered recognition, though specific awards were not mentioned. One of the gaushala’s significant achievements is fostering a culture where people now take better care of their cattle instead of sending them to butchers.

Ongoing Challenges

‍However, the journey is far from over. The primary challenge remains securing enough fodder to feed the cattle daily. "Our region is dry and infertile," explains Bhausaheb. "We can’t rely on grazing, so we buy about two tons of green fodder daily, which costs around 8,000 rupees—amounting to a monthly expense of about 2.5 lakh rupees." Bhausaheb calls for support in any form, particularly in donations for fodder.

"I want to serve these innocent animals till my last breath" - Bhausaheb Tambile

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Looking Forward‍

Bhausaheb’s commitment to his cause is unwavering. His vision for the gaushala is to expand and provide sanctuary to even more cattle in need. “I want to serve these innocent animals till my last breath” he says with conviction. With plans to increase the capacity to care for 500 cattle, he is focused on building the necessary infrastructure to make this a reality. Bhausaheb’s journey is one of resilience, and with the continued support of the community, he is determined to keep fighting for these gentle beings, ensuring they live a life of dignity and love.

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