Gau Rakshak In Greece

The recent hullabaloo surrounding the protection of cows is not limited to Indian shores.

- Diya Mathew/Athens

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Greece, has recently spearheaded a project of creating a Vaishnava community that will protect a rare, almost extinct, breed of Greek cows that are descendants of the Bos indicus breed. The farming community on the island of Salamis, west of Athens, intends to be self-sufficient by growing organic fruits and vegetables; bulls will cultivate the land, the cows will provide milk, and their manure will enrich the soil. “The community of devotees will lead a natural and simple life, cultivating land and protecting cows,” said Mihalis Deligiannakis, 48, president of ISKCON, Greece. “Actually, we will be protected by the cows.”

Active since the 1970s, ISKCON, Greece, was recognised by the Greek Ministry of Religion in 2012. Devotees—who are from various nationalities including Greek, Russian and Indian—spread Vaishnavism through online lessons, distribution of books, and participation in exhibitions. On Sundays, they congregate at the centre situated in the heart of Athens, to chant prayers and study the Bhagavad Gita. They also participate in Harinama Sankirtana—congressional chanting of Vishnu’s name on the streets. “Local reaction to our activities is curiosity, sometimes suspicion,” said Deligiannakis, who has been a Krishna devotee for 25 years. His wife and two daughters, too, are devotees. “The reaction of the Greek Orthodox Church has been negative,” he said.