Dharam Raj Ranka, 83, of Hyderabad, has devoted his life to a worthy cause—the protection and care of stray cows—at a time when most people retire or go on spiritual quests. In addition to creating the biggest Gowshala in South India and bringing cow ambulances to help animals in need, this ardent animal lover has been providing a sanctuary for thousands of cattle for the last 34 years.

Ranka, who works as a businesswoman, was devastated to see cows being transported to slaughterhouses. In 1990, he made the first move toward cow preservation by saving stray cattle because he was determined to improve their destiny.

‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram Gau Niwas,’ a sanctuary that started with only 200 cows, was the result of his effort. His perseverance paid off over time, and now his Gowshala is the biggest in South India, with 6,200 cows and calves.

The establishment of the Shiv Mandir Gowshala, which housed 700 cows, in 1997 marked the continuation of his quest to increase cow protection.

His unwavering dedication to cow care was shown in 2002 when the enormous Satyam Shivam Sundaram Gau Niwas was established in Gagan Pahad.

Advocates for animal welfare claim that the Satyam Shivam Sundaram Gau Niwas is not just India’s biggest gowshala but also one of the finest kept.

By providing a sanctuary where rescued cattle are treated with respect and dignity, it reinterprets the idea of cow protection. To guarantee the welfare of the animals, the facility has two resident veterinarians and more than 100 employees.

Operating a business of this size comes at a high expense. Ranka calculates that Rs 3.7 lakh is spent each month on Gowshala management.

Despite the financial strain, he is unwavering in his commitment to his cause and depends entirely on contributions from his community and benefactors rather than government support.

Ranka’s dedication goes beyond providing sanctuary for rescued animals. He has established a fleet of ambulances devoted to giving sick cows medical attention. Call the hotline (9948694084) if you see a cow in difficulty, and his staff will come out right away to save and care for the animal at no cost.

For Ranka, this project is about achieving a lifetime goal in addition to preserving cows. Saving these kind creatures that would have otherwise been sent to slaughterhouses brings me great joy. With conviction, he states, “This keeps me going.”

In addition to improving the lives of thousands of cows, Dharam Raj Ranka’s continuous commitment has served as an inspiration for unselfish service. His Gowshala is a representation of compassion, generosity, and hope that gives animals a second shot at life who would have otherwise met a terrible end. By redefining compassion via his work, Ranka has shown that one person’s dedication can have a profound effect on the world.