On 6th November the Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP, the Attorney General for the British government and His Holiness Bhakti Cari Swami opened the new farm complex, called New Gokul, at Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Praising Gokul farm for its excellence in the husbandry of cattle Mr Grieve said, “I am delighted to have been asked by Bhaktivedanta Manor to be here to commemorate the opening of the Gokul farm’s new facilities. These provide a sustainable sanctuary for cattle and a means whereby visitors can come and see for themselves the workings of a traditional farm where animals and nature are given the highest respect.”
Other dignitaries present included Prahladananda Swami, Rachor Prime, His Excellency Dr. Suresh Chandra Chalise the Ambassador of Nepal, Lord Dolar Popat, Joyce D’Silver (from Compassion in World Farming), James Clappison MP, Shailesh Vara MP, the Mayor of Hertsmere Cllr Linda Silver, Praghosa das and many others.
Hailed as a blue-print for the future of farming, The Independent and the Daily Telegraph described the New Gokul project as being the “Hilton of all farms”.
The care received by the 44 cows and bulls is unparalleled . For example, relaxing music is played to the cows as they are hand-milked, and they are allowed to live their full natural life-span.
“New Gokul will offer visitors the learn that there is a fresh, new and compassionate way to dairy farm,” said Sita Rama das, Director of the Lotus Trust. The milk from the cows has been commercially branded Ahimsa Milk, meaning milk produced without harm to any living being.
The opening of the £2.5 million New Gokul project included a huge fire yajna.
New Gokul’s main features are its oak build, ox power in the fields and treadmill, ox cart rides, hand milking and humane treatment of cows and the full viewing facility so that all visitors can see the working of the farm. Already the farm has a wide range of visitors, of which ten of thousands of school children and public visit the farm annually.
Lord Dolar Popat, James Clappison MP and Shailesh Vara MP unveiled the plaques which shows many of the generous donors who have helped make this wonderful project happen.