Padma Shri Ramesh Baba Dies, Leaves Behind a Legacy of Cow Protection and Conservation

Mathura/Barsana: Ramesh Baba, a revered saint of the Braj region and a Padma Shri awardee, passed away on Tuesday. The 88-year-old saint had been unwell for a long time. He breathed his last at the Maan Mandir ashram in Barsana. News of his passing sent a wave of grief across the Braj region. The saint community, devotees, and those associated with cow protection efforts paid their tributes. Ramesh Baba had dedicated his entire life to the service of cows (*Go-seva*), the preservation of Braj, and environmental protection.

Ramesh Baba was born in 1938 in Prayagraj. His father was the renowned astrologer Baldev Prasad Shukla, and his mother was Hemeshwari Devi. It is said that his parents performed the 'Putra Kameshti Yajna' in Rameswaram with the desire for a son. By the grace of Lord Shiva, he was born on the seventh day of the dark fortnight of the month of Paush (*Paush Krishna Saptami*). Upon seeing the child's forehead, his father had predicted that he would remain a *Brahmachari* (celibate ascetic). After completing his education in Prayagraj, a sense of detachment from worldly life (*vairagya*) grew strong within him. He attempted to visit Braj twice but was held back by his mother's affection. On the third attempt, he renounced his home and came to the land of Braj.

Ramesh Baba arrived in Barsana in 1954 at the age of just 16. He began his spiritual practice by playing the *mridang* (a traditional drum) at the Radha Rani temple. Later, he established the Maan Mandir Ashram on Brahmanchal Mountain and immersed himself in the service of Thakur Maan Bihari. Gradually, his entire life became dedicated to serving the land of Braj and its residents. In 1968, he initiated the 'Radha Rani Braj Yatra'—a pilgrimage covering the 84-kos (approx. 250 km) circuit of Braj—along with the local people. Today, around 20,000 devotees participate in this pilgrimage annually. The Maan Mandir Ashram arranges free accommodation and meals for the devotees. Ramesh Baba waged a long struggle for the conservation of the environment and hills of Braj. He spearheaded a campaign against the felling of trees in Gahvarvan and led a movement against the illegal mining taking place in the hills of Braj, spanning the region from Barsana to Rajasthan. His efforts brought widespread attention to this issue, leading the Supreme Court to order a ban on mining in the Braj hills in 2008. Baba also worked tirelessly to conserve the ancient *kunds* (sacred ponds) and *sarovars* (lakes) of Braj. He played a significant role in the restoration of numerous water bodies, including Ratna Kund (Dhabhala), Vihval Kund (Sanket), Krishna Kund (Nandgaon), Bichhua Kund (Bichhor), Gaya Kund (Kaman), Lal Kund (Dudavali), Gopal Kund (Deeg), Rudra Kund (Jatipura), Gomti Ganga (Kosikalan), Lalita Kund (Kamai), and Nayan Sarovar (Seu).

Ramesh Baba’s contribution to the cause of Go-seva (service to cows) was also remarkable. He established the Mataji Goshala in 2007, starting with just two cows. Today, this *goshala* ranks among the largest in Asia, with claims of sheltering and caring for approximately 65,000 cows. In recognition of his contributions to cow protection and environmental conservation, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri award in 2019. With the passing of Ramesh Baba, Braj has lost a saint who made the conservation of cows, forests, hills, and water, alongside his spiritual practice, the very mission of his life.