Pushpa M. Bhargava is the founder-director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad and is seen as the architect of modern biology in India. The former vice-chairman of the National Knowledge Commission was summoned to give evidence before a committee set up by the Government of India in the late 1960s when the movement against cow slaughter was led by then RSS chief M.S. Golwalkar. He spoke to Saba Naqvi about his experiences with this committee and his scientific views on cows, buffaloes and what to do with livestock. Excerpts:
It is said that you had a memorable exchange with M.S. Golwalkar in the 1960s. Can you tell us about it?
A movement against cow slaughter was going on at that time that eventually led to its ban in some states. The government of India set up a committee to look into the issue. It was chaired by a former chief justice of India, Justice A.K. Sarkar. Golwalkar, the Shankaracharya of Puri and Dr Verghese Kurien (the milk man of India)...
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