WASTE OR RESOURCE? INDIGENOUS USES OF COW DUNG AND URINE IN RURAL INDIA

The respect and regard paid to cows in India is well known, but the importance to rural Indians of the dung and urine of this sacred animal is often ignored. This presentation will describe the many indigenous uses of cow dung and urine as a resource in rural India.






Cow dung is used as a cooking fuel; sanitizing cleanser; construction material, insulation, and waterproofing for walls and floors in rural houses; a cultural symbol in religious worship; the raw-material for producing organic compost and generating electricity. The urine of cows is considered an elixir of life and is used as a natural remedy for liver and heart conditions as well as for enhancing mental and physical strength and increasing longevity. The urine of a cow is said to balance bile, mucous, and airs, which cause disease when they are not in balance. The utilization of cow dung and urine is a perfect example of sustainable living.






An understanding of the use of cow dung and urine by the rural Indian population can illustrate the indigenous knowledge associated with these materials and can enable entrepreneurs to develop dung and urine as alternative sources of materials for housing construction and electricity generation as well as cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuels and medicines. Even the ash formed from the burning of dung as a fuel can be used as a cleaning agent for household utensils or used as a fertilizer without causing any negative impact to the growing crops. Clearly, the use of cow dung and urine as indigenous resources provides a stark contrast to the hi-tech advancement occurring in modern day India.






Dr. Nripendra Singh is a Fulbright-Nehru Environmental Leadership Program (FNELP) Fellow. As a Fulbright Fellow at Penn State, he is working on Waste Management in the School of Hospitality Management. His interest in waste management and his roots in the rural Indian state of Uttar Pradesh encouraged him to share his thoughts on the indigenous knowledge associated with the use of bovine waste as an invaluable resource in his native country.

Pawan Kalyan is the brand ambassador of AP ???

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The Story Behind Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, meaning "Knot of Protection" is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Hindus throughout the world. The festival stands for the beautiful relationship shared between brothers and sisters. A lifelong promise of protection is made on this special occasion. It exhibits the beautiful relationship of love, care and affection between siblings.

History

Raksha Bandhan, also called Rakhi Purnima or just Rakhi, has deep rooted historical significance. There are various stories linked with the past mythology of the hindu religion. People believe and follow different stories from the past. The most famous and relied upon story of them all is that of Rani Karnavati of Chittor and the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Rani Karnawati was the widowed queen of Chittor, which had been attacked by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat. The queen realized that defending her empire from the invasion was not possible for her and in lieu of protection and help, she sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor, Humayun. On receiving the rakhi, the Emperor was overwhelmed and became emotional. He, along with his troops, immediately set out to protect Chittor from the invasion. Alas, he could not reach on time. The Sultan of Gujarat had, by then, reached the queen`s fortress. All the women, in the fortress including Rani Karnawati had performed Jauhar (mass suicide) by then. Humayun, on reaching the fortress, fought with Bahadur Shah and evicted him from the land. The empire was handed over to Rani Karnawati`s son, Vikramjeet Singh. Since then, the act of a sister tying a rakhi on the wrist of her brother indicates lifelong protection from him.

Significance

Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful Hindu festival where sisters dress up beautifully in order to celebrate this special occasion with their brothers. Sisters also pray for a prosperous future and a long life for their brothers. Rakhi holds great emotional and religious significance. The festival keeps the deep rooted culture of the country alive, strengthens the relationship of siblings and ensures togetherness.

Celebrations

The festival of Raksha Bandhan, brings the entire family together. The day starts with everyone dressing up beautifully in traditional attires. Sweets, chocolates and other regional specialties are brought. The sister ties a rakhi on her brother`s wrist and performs aarti, praying for his well-being and then sweetens his mouth with a delicacy. Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters to express their love.

Perfect gifts for brothers and sisters

Nowadays, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with exchange of gifts unlike the old days when money was handed over to the sister as a token of love. Here are some amazing ideas of gifts you can surprise your brother and sister with, on Rakhi.

Gifts for Brothers:

Watch: Very much in fashion; since the occasion is rakhi, what could be better than a watch for your brother`s wrist?

Gadget: Since guys are quite tech savvy, a gadget, maybe a new phone, MP3, tab, etc. will be a great option. It`ll surely bring a smile to your brother`s face.

Perfumes: Men and women both are equally crazy about perfumes. So, a nice perfume is also a great option this rakhi.

Chocolates: chocolates are liked by people of all age groups, so whether your brother is young or old, chocolates will remain an all-time favorite.

Gifts for Sisters

Jewellery: A girl`s best friend! Jewellery is one of the most loved things by any girl. Go for it, without a second thought.

Bag: Bags are again a great option. Girls go gaga over handbags, so getting your sister a bag will definitely fetch you a smile.

Vouchers: Girls, being shopaholics, will love a gift/discount voucher from which they can shop as they desire.