When the world is still cloaked in the quiet hush of early dawn, a different kind of day begins at Shree Nandishala, a 50-acre sanctuary in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Here, as stars slowly give way to the rosy blush of sunrise, a symphony of devotion, care, and purpose stirs to life. The sanctuary, home to over 2,500 abandoned and injured bulls, is a sanctuary in every sense—a space where dignity is restored, and forgotten creatures find solace.
By 3:00 a.m., the staff at Shree Nandishala is already in motion. The first light of day marks the start of meticulous routines: health checks, milking, and feeding. Calves stay nestled beside their mothers, with milk collected only after the little ones have had their fill. The morning air rings with the gentle lowing of contented bovines and the rhythmic sweeping of grounds, as the team works tirelessly until midday to maintain the vast premises.
Meanwhile, the sanctuary’s kitchen buzzes with parallel energy. Meals are prepared with care not just for the staff, but for the animals too—each dish tailored, nutritious, and made with the kind of love most reserve for family.
This level of thoughtful care defines every inch of Shree Nandishala. The sanctuary is self-sustaining, growing organic fodder on its own farmland. From special dietary plans to around-the-clock medical attention and even an ICU for critical cases, the bulls and cows are not just sheltered but nurtured.
But the heart of Shree Nandishala beats strongest in its founder, Vighanesh Ojha. A former corporate professional with stints at Procter & Gamble and Tupperware India, Vighanesh traded boardrooms for barnyards after COVID-19, determined to carry forward a dream kindled by his uncle, Anil Kumar Ojha. The vision? To offer abandoned bulls—often left to suffer simply because they don’t produce milk—a chance at a dignified life.
“They are considered sacred, yet are often treated with shocking cruelty,” Vighanesh shares. Some arrive at the shelter blind, others wounded or riddled with plastic waste—up to 45 kg in one tragic case. But here, these gentle giants are met with compassion, not indifference.
Shree Nandishala doesn’t just save lives; it transforms them. Tales of healing echo through its dusty paths—a bull once blinded by an acid attack now walks freely, confidently, on grounds that have become his safe haven. Such miracles are made possible by a 15-member core team of staff and volunteers, many of whom live on-site with their families.
Extreme desert temperatures—50°C summers, near-zero winters—only add to the challenge. Yet, the sanctuary thrives. Water, power, and shelter are carefully managed, and expansion plans are in motion. The team dreams of better infrastructure, including solar panels and lighting, to enhance their work.
Sustainability is embedded in every practice. From cow dung used as manure to the shelter’s production of organic A2 ghee, everything here follows a cycle of care and respect. Even surplus is shared, with organic fertilizer freely distributed to nearby farmers.
The world has begun to notice. Visitors from across the globe, like British cyclist Dennis Almeida, have become patrons, emotionally and financially adopting animals. Their contributions fuel a movement larger than a single sanctuary—a movement that reimagines how we treat the voiceless among us.
Despite his base in Noida, Vighanesh travels to Bikaner every ten days. “My true reward is in seeing them happy,” he says, eyes shining with a conviction no paycheck could ever match.
Ganesh Iyer, an HR consultant and long-time donor, echoes this sentiment: “While cows are revered, bulls are often ignored. What Shree Nandishala does is redefine reverence—not as ritual, but as responsibility.”
In the dusty lanes of Bikaner, where the sacred meets the forgotten, a quiet revolution is underway. With each dawn, with each meal served and wound tended, Shree Nandishala reminds us that care isn’t seasonal. It is daily, deliberate, and deeply human.
And perhaps, in choosing to support places like this, we become a little more human too.
To be a part of this story of compassion, reach out to Vighanesh at 9818526177. Because every contribution doesn’t just shelter a bull—it restores hope.