Matilda

On most of the festivals, my grandmother would wake up early in the morning to make the first chapatti for the 'Gau Mata'. Cows in Delhi are hard to find but if luck is on your side, one can see them around garbage dumps. While carrying out this ritual, she would often reminisce the days when cows were the first citizens of every household in the town. They were not only nurtured and cared for but also respected. Our generation may find it a bit awkward for we can't think beyond the canines as pets. The ideal equation of this Gau-Family relationship is crystal clear. Cows are an economic asset: right from food( milk, curd, butter, ghee, cottage cheese) and fuel for kitchen(cow dung) to antiseptic cleaning agent(cow urine). The moralistic aspect that gives cow the holy stature is its peaceful demeanour and giving nature despite its overwhelming size. As per Hinduism, cow is a true embodiment of Dharma because of its tolerance and patience. Fast forward to this day an

Up on the hills in Katra, Vaishno Mata resides in a cave blessing her devotees wherever they are. Vaishnodevi Bhawan can be reached after a trek of 13 km from Katra. More than 10 million devotees come to pay obeisance to Mata . Over the years, this number has increased exponentially which is why the need for a Management Board was felt. Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Board is headed by the chairman (Governor of the state) who is assisted by a Chief Executive Officer and other subordinate officers. So, there is a strong administrative backbone which aids the smooth functioning of the pilgrimage.  Having visited the shrine quite often since childhood, I have noticed the very minute as well as drastic changes taking place in this area. My father had the priceless opportunity of serving in the board for 7 years. Last month, my father took me for a short visit for he loves to keep going back to Mata. As we started off, I could see his face gleaming with pride I rarely get to see. One of the offi