Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel's dedication to cow service is not merely a religious sentiment, but a holistic approach encompassing culture, economy, and environmental conservation. His work not only inspires society but also encourages youth to pursue cow-based innovation and service. His commitment to cow service is evident in both policy initiatives and grassroots-level service activities.
On 26th July 2002, Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel, in Parliament, cited the words of his revered spiritual guide “Shri Shribabashri Ji” – “Jeev-Jeev Aahaar Nahi, Jeev-Jeev Aadhar” (“No being should be food; every being is a support”) – as part of a private member’s discussion, presenting a significant proposal on the subject of “Prevention of Cattle Slaughter.” He concluded his remarks with the spiritual guide’s phrase, “Sankalp Mein Vikalp Nahi” (“No alternatives in determination”), which was accepted for debate. As a result, for the first time in independent India, the Parliament passed a resolution for cow protection on 26th July 2003.
He has played an active role in establishing numerous cow shelters in Damoh, Narsinghpur, and other regions. By ensuring the availability of resources, he paved the way for making these shelters self-reliant and well-organized through private support, public participation, and coordination with government schemes.
Special campaigns were conducted for the protection of helpless, injured, or sick cattle wandering on roads. He initiated mobile animal ambulances for the treatment of cattle. Due to his efforts, modern equipment and specialist veterinarians became available in veterinary hospitals, improving the quality of treatment.
Awareness campaigns on cattle preservation, cow rearing, and the benefits of cow-based agriculture were conducted through village assemblies, workshops, and religious events. Youth were encouraged to pursue cow-based self-employment opportunities.
While serving in Parliament and the Cabinet, he supported schemes and proposals related to cow protection. He played a guiding role in the Madhya Pradesh Government’s cow sanctuary scheme and other related initiatives.
He has regularly participated in religious events such as cow discourses, cow worship, and Gau Ashtami, fostering reverence and empathy for cows in society.
An inspiring initiative established by Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel through the Narmada Seva Khand Sansthan is the “Jararudham Cow Sanctuary” (2016) in Ramnagar, Batiyagarh, Damoh district, which keeps the Indian tradition of cow service alive. The sanctuary is managed by the Narmada Seva Khand Sansthan, which is active in social, religious, and ecological balance initiatives.
The sanctuary integrates organic farming, natural therapies, and rural participation, making it a model center of self-reliance and service. It provides safe shelter, treatment, and protection for abandoned, helpless, and injured cattle. It has been developed not just as a cowshed but as a confluence of religious, cultural, and organic agricultural practices. By promoting natural therapies, organic fertilizers, and community involvement, it also empowers local residents. Today, Jararudham is not only a site for cattle protection but a living symbol of compassion, culture, and service.
Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel is renowned not only for his significant role in politics but also for his dedication to environmental conservation. He believes that responsibility towards the environment and nature cannot be limited to words alone; concrete and effective actions are essential. His inspiring motto, “From Trees Comes Water, From Water Comes Life”, guides his environmental protection efforts.
The Narmada Cleaning Campaign led by Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel has been a significant and inspiring initiative in the field of environmental conservation. The Narmada River, worshiped as a “Living Goddess”, forms the cornerstone of Indian cultural and religious life. Prahlad Singh Patel viewed its preservation not merely as a religious duty but as a social and environmental responsibility.
Under this campaign, he conducted a series of awareness programs in villages, towns, and cities along the Narmada, encouraging citizens not only to participate in cleaning the river but also to understand its importance. Effective measures were implemented for rainwater harvesting, cleaning ghats, solid waste management, and preventing organic waste from entering the river. The campaign ensured active participation from the public, NGOs, students, and local administration.
He strongly believes that “Rivers are the heritage of our civilization. If they are not kept clean and protected, future generations will not forgive us.” The Narmada Cleaning Campaign was not merely an initiative for river cleanliness; it became an organized movement for water conservation, public awareness, and environmental consciousness, led with full dedication and commitment by Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel.
The Udgam Mans Yatra is another significant environmental conservation initiative led by Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel. This journey was organized in the remote areas of Madhya Pradesh where water sources and rivers originate. He believes that protecting and nurturing these water sources not only ensures a continuous water supply but also keeps the surrounding regions lush and green.
During the yatra, seminars and workshops were conducted to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental conservation, covering topics such as wildlife protection, water conservation, tree plantation, and climate change. In addition, intensive tree plantations and other infrastructure for conservation were established at the water source sites with public participation, giving the entire campaign a new direction.
Under Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel’s leadership, numerous tree plantation campaigns were launched in Madhya Pradesh and other states. To increase plantation rates, he encouraged local farmers and villagers to participate. He believes that trees not only purify the environment but also help control climate change. Embracing the principle “Water is Life”, he implemented various initiatives for water conservation. His leadership has led to the rejuvenation of water sources, cleaning of ponds and wells, and effective rainwater harvesting.
Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel also took a major step towards environmental protection through the Plastic-Free India campaign. He repeatedly initiated measures to curb the use of plastic in public spaces. Especially at tourist and religious sites, he enforced strict rules to prohibit plastic usage. Additionally, he encouraged people to adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as paper, cloth, and other sustainable options.
As a Union Minister, Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel has made environmental conservation an integral part of government policy. He efficiently oversaw the implementation of several key initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Jal Jeevan Mission, with a particular focus on water conservation and sanitation. Additionally, he formulated various schemes to promote sustainable tourism at tourist destinations, ensuring environmental protection while simultaneously supporting the growth of the tourism sector.
Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel’s dedication to environmental conservation is clearly reflected through his policies and initiatives. The campaigns he has led have not only raised awareness about environmental issues but also offered society a renewed perspective on connecting with nature. These initiatives demonstrate that when leadership and the public work together, significant progress in environmental protection can be achieved.
Since his student political days, Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel has taken on the mission of freeing society from the grip of addiction. From that time, he began his journey towards a drug-free society and organized numerous pad yatras (foot marches) in Narsinghpur district to raise public awareness. Inspired by Poojya Shri Shri Babashri Ji, Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel committed himself to liberating society from the harmful effects of substance abuse.
In this effort, in November 1987, he undertook an 11-day continuous fast at a very young age in Gotegaon, Narsinghpur, demanding the relocation of liquor shops outside the town.
In 1989, when he was first elected as an MP from Seoni, he initiated an anti-addiction campaign near Barghat, between Seoni and Balaghat, Uttar Pradesh, and successfully got a liquor distillery removed from the area. His campaign gained momentum as more people joined, and various camps were organized to inspire communities toward a drug-free life.
In 2009, he fulfilled his pledge to make Masanda village in Bahoriband block, Katni district, completely drug-free.
Influenced by his tireless efforts, the Kol community vowed neither to produce, sell, nor consume alcohol.
The anti-addiction campaign led by him in Sokalpur village, Gadarwara block, Narsinghpur district, was seen as a grand yajna (sacrificial effort) across the entire Mahakoshal region. Mr. Patel and his team spread the message of a drug-free life to surrounding areas, providing society with a renewed sense of direction.
Prahlad Singh Patel