From Cow Dung to Diyas: A Craft That Brightens Livelihoods
Vidisha: A simple innovation at a gaushala (cow shelter) in Bichhiya village in MP's Vidisha caught the attention of senior officials during an inspection. Barelal Ahirwar was crafting decorative diyas (earthen lamps) out of cow dung when Divisional Commissioner Karmveer Sharma and Collector Anshul Gupta stopped by to speak with him.
The Commissioner took a keen interest in the process. He inquired about how the diyas are made, how many are produced at a time, what they cost, and how much income has been generated so far.
Impressed by this initiative, Sharma commended Ahirwar’s effort to turn cow dung into a source of livelihood. He noted that such small-scale innovations can create employment and self-employment opportunities in rural areas. He further suggested involving more people in the production of useful items from cow dung to help generate additional income.
During his inspection of the Shri Krishna Gaushala, the Commissioner emphasized linking the shelter’s activities with livelihood creation, ensuring that such facilities can serve as hubs for rural entrepreneurship alongside the care of cattle.