Chitradurga, Karnataka: 14th June, 2025: Demonstrating commitment towards animal welfare and sustainable community development, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka (IOK), in collaboration with The Animal Care Organization (TACO) under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) & Yadava Matha, inaugurated a cow shelter in Chitradurga. The shelter provides for a safe & secure space along with facilities for cattle feeding & sanitation arrangements. The initiative reflects Vedanta’s commitment to building a sustainable and scalable ecosystem for animal well-being, rooted in the principles of ‘One Health’
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Sri. Jagadguru Krishnayadava Swamy ji as the Chief Guest, Sri. D. T. Srinivas, Hon’ble MLC for South-East Teachers Constituency, along with P. Narayan, Head Corporate Affairs, Ravi Bisaguppi, Head CSR ER, Vedanta IOK and Dr. Princy John, Head, TACO.
Chief Guest, Sri. Jagadguru Krishnayadava Swamy ji addressed the audience saying, “Vedanta Sesa Goa, in collaboration with TACO & Anil Agarwal Foundation has set up a cow shelter in Chitradurga, which will provide shelter to many stray animals, especially cattle. I pray that this shelter flourishes and continues to serve its noble purpose. This initiative by Vedanta is truly commendable, and I hope they expand it further across more locations. May God bless this company abundantly for undertaking such a great initiative.”
Marking the occasion, the Guest of Honour – Sri. D. T. Srinivas, Hon’ble MLC for South-East Teachers Constituency said, “Today, we have inaugurated the Cow shelter at Sri Yadava Matha, Chitradurga, an initiative by Vedanta Sesa Goa-IOK in collaboration with TACO & Anil Agarwal Foundation. The CSR initiative would greatly benefit the people of Chitradurga. This cow shelter is a sanctuary of compassion, sustainability, and community spirit. It reflects our shared responsibility to protect and preserve our cultural and ecological heritage.”
Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta IOK, stated, “This cow shelter is more than just a sanctuary for animals—it is a symbol of our commitment to holistic development. TACO, a groundbreaking project for animal welfare under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, offers top-notch infrastructure, veterinary care, training centres, and animal shelters to help heal and safeguard animals. By integrating animal welfare with community upliftment, we are creating a model that benefits both people and the planet.” The shelter is designed to provide rescue and rehabilitation for abandoned and injured cattle.
The establishment of the cow shelter recognizes the interconnected health of animals, people, and the environment. This initiative builds on TACO’s extensive efforts across India, including projects in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Assam, focusing on sterilization, vaccination, wildlife conservation, and establishing shelters and veterinary care programs.
The initiative aligns with TACO’s six foundational pillars: Shelter, Hospital, Academy, Wildlife Conservation, Disaster Relief, and Sectoral Development, and aims to empower local communities, promoting awareness about animal health and welfare & supporting livelihoods through sustainable cattle care practices. The shelter will also serve as a hub for community engagement, offering training and employment opportunities, and promoting eco-friendly practices such as biogas generation and solar-powered infrastructure.
With its focus on advanced animal healthcare, training, and community integration, the Chitradurga cow shelter stands as a beacon of hope and humanity in the realm of animal welfare.
