Abandoned For Not Producing Milk, 2500+ Starving Bulls Have Been Given a Home By This Man

At Shree Nandishala, a 50-acre sanctuary in Bikaner dedicated to the care of abandoned and injured bulls, the day begins at three in the morning, when the world is still wrapped in dreams. The early hours here are a sensory feast, with the sky transitioning from a tapestry of stars to the soft hues of dawn. In this magical setting, the dedicated team immerses itself in the rhythm of the day’s responsibilities.

The first task of the day is ensuring the well-being of the resident bovines, with meticulous health checks and milking. Calves stay with their mothers throughout the day, and the milk is collected only after the calves have fed. After a night with their calves, the cows begin their day frolicking and eagerly gathering for their morning feed.

By the time the clock strikes 5:30 am, the sanctuary is buzzing with the sounds of cleaning and preparation. A dedicated crew gets to work, sweeping through the vast premises in a coordinated effort that lasts until almost midday.

As productivity hums across the sanctuary, the kitchen comes alive, preparing meals for both staff and bovines. The large common dining area echoes with laughter and gentle moos.

Throughout the day, every activity at Shree Nandishala is overseen with clockwork precision — from replenishing water supplies to distributing fresh fodder, often gathered from the lush, organic farms maintained by the shelter itself. These efforts are interspersed with administrative work, ensuring the sanctuary operates smoothly.

From specially curated nutrition plans to regular medical check-ups, the team at Shree Nandishala ensures that each bovine under its care receives not just food, but tailored, loving care akin to that given to a family member. In this lush sanctuary spread across the sands of Rajasthan,once-abandoned bulls and cows now roam freely, bask in love, and enjoy holistic care. 

Each animal has its own space. Young calves wander within their designated area, while the bulls, with their distinct charm, enjoy their territory, often taking long, peaceful naps.

But who is the force behind this sanctuary? Meet Vighnesh Ojha, who embarked on a mission to change the fate of neglected bulls.

Founded in 2015, Shree Nandishala is more than a nonprofit organisation. This 50-acre shelter is a home, hospital, and a haven for over 2,500 bovines, 90 percent of which are bulls once left to fend for themselves on the streets.

A place to call home

It all began when Vighnesh’s uncle, Anil Kumar Ojha — a devout philanthropist — initiated this endeavour. Vighnesh, who previously worked in the fast-paced world of branding and marketing with companies like Procter & Gamble and Tupperware India, transitioned his focus to nurturing and expanding the sanctuary after COVID-19.

“Cows, because of their religious significance, often find shelter. But bulls are left with no work due to mechanised farming. People abandon them since they do not produce milk and are of no commercial use to them,” Vighnesh explains.

He adds, “Sadly, bulls often face terrible hostility — people even throw water or acid at them. Though they are considered forms of Nandi (the sacred bull of Lord Shiva), they are treated with disrespect. This stark contrast moved me to dedicate my life to their cause, in the hope of giving these forgotten creatures a dignified existence,” he adds.

Vighnesh also points out that bulls frequently ingest roadside waste, including plastic. “On average, we find about 15 kg of plastic in their stomachs. In one case, we removed nearly 45 kg, along with items like diapers, glass pieces, and even nails. We regularly care for bulls that are blind, injured, or recovering from accidents.”

What makes Shree Nandishala unique is its robust care and rehabilitation of injured and neglected animals. Many transformation stories echo within its walls, such as the recovery of a bull, once blinded by an acid attack, who now roams confidently within the premises.

With 24/7 medical care and an ICU unit, including surgeries when necessary, and endless nurturing from specialised staff, Shree Nandishala not only heals physical wounds but restores hope and spirit.

Vighnesh further adds, “We do not compromise when it comes to the nutrition of our bovines. Each meal is thoughtfully planned to support recovery, strength, and overall well-being. Our dedicated kitchen prepares customised meals for animals housed in our ICU unit, which includes blind, amputee, and critically unwell bovines who are unable to stand or feed themselves independently.”

Additionally, Shree Nandishala operates a completely organic farm, where they produce nourishing fodder for the animals, ensuring a sustainable food source devoid of harmful chemicals. “We have thoughtfully transformed our entire farmland into a dedicated organic grazing campus for our bovines. We use cow dung manure, derived directly from our own shelter. We also distribute organic manure free of cost to nearby farmers in need,” he says.

As an extension of its philosophy of purity and sustainability, the shelter produces A2 ghee from the surplus milk of its healthy, well-cared-for cows — a product that supports the sanctuary and promotes wellness among its patrons.

More than a shelter: A movement in the making

The impact of Shree Nandishala is manifold. “A heartening example is that of a British cyclist, Dennis Almeida, who, after witnessing our dedication, adopted Anand, a young bull. He started contributing monthly towards Anand’s well-being,” Vighnesh shares.

The shelter operates under extreme climatic conditions of Rajasthan, where summer temperatures soar up to 50°C and winters often drop close to zero.“Managing and caring for over 2,500 bovines in such harsh and fluctuating weather presents an extraordinary challenge. Air conditioners don’t work here, and we often face electricity shortages as well.  Our staff works incredibly hard in these conditions to clean the premises and care for the bovines,” he points out.

These weather extremes only add to the existing infrastructural gaps the sanctuary faces. The sanctuary lacks even basic amenities like adequate lighting along nearby roadways, posing a hazard to both animals and humans. The ongoing journey involves constant requests for improved resources, like solar panels and infrastructure, to secure a stable future for these cherished creatures.

But even in the face of these challenges, Shree Nandishala stands resilient. It continues to thrive and plans to increase its capacity, supporting even more animals and setting higher standards for humanitarian efforts in animal care.

Based out of Noida, Vighnesh is supported by a dedicated team of 15 full-time employees and volunteers, most of whom live on-site in Bikaner with their families.

Ganesh Iyer, an HR consultant in Noida, has been a donor to Vighnesh for two years. He recalls, “During a friend’s wedding visit, I discovered Shree Nandishala on the way. I went inside and saw so many bulls there. Seeing their excellent care, including their medical facilities, inspired me to contribute financially whenever possible. Initiatives like this are crucial, considering the sacredness of both cows and bulls. While cows are often revered, bulls are equally important and deserve the same respect.”

Vighnesh, who sustains himself with freelance projects in Noida, has been doing the work selflessly. Every 10 days, he manages to travel from corporate boardrooms to the sandy lanes of Bikaner to look after his 2,500 gentle giants. “My real success lies in the happiness and well-being I could offer to our bovines,” he adds.

If this story moved you, don’t let it end here. Your support can help ensure that another abandoned bull doesn’t have to suffer alone.

Every contribution makes it possible for one more life to find not just shelter, but a real home.
Contact Vighnesh at 9311686177 to be part of the change.

Edited by Khushi Arora; All images courtesy Shree Nandishala

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