25 years on, this Muslim man leads cattle welfare drive in Surendranagar every Uttarayan

A display of communal harmony and compassion has marked the festival of Makar Sankranti in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district, where a member of the Dawoodi Vohra community has continued his long-standing efforts to support the welfare of stray cattle.

Shabir Vohra has, for the past 25 years, been collecting public contributions for the care of stray and abandoned cattle housed at the Wadhwan Mahajan Panjrapol.

Each year during Makar Sankranti, he sets up a temporary pavilion on one of the city’s main roads, using patriotic music to draw attention and encourage passers-by to donate towards fodder for the animals.

Local traders, pedestrians and residents have joined the initiative in large numbers. Vohra offers prayers and blessings to contributors, stating that their effort is motivated by a sense of duty toward vulnerable animals.

Speaking about the campaign, Vohra said society should devote at least four days a year to caring for stray and weak animals, particularly those living in shelters. “It is our moral responsibility to support them,” he said.

Nearby shopkeepers, including Parmarbhai and others, have extended their support to the initiative. Organisers said all the funds collected are legally donated to the Wadhwan Mahajan Panjrapol for the welfare of the cattle.