Who is Gir Govalan?
Gir Govalan (Jituben) was born in Aakolda Amreli, a small town in the Gir area. Unable to go to school since it was the custom in her community for girls not to attend school. Belonging to the Maldhari community, whose primary occupation involves caring for cows and animals. Our little home is tucked away in the area where the famous Asiatic lions reside. With more than 500 lions living in Saurashtra and in close proximity, conflicts with these majestic creatures are not uncommon.
Despite the occasional clashes, we've developed strategies to safeguard our herds of cows and buffaloes. Our animals are well-trained to deter lions from entering and hunting. However, there are instances when lions manage to isolate and prey on a member of the herd right before our eyes. Witnessing this becomes a part of our daily routine, and the hunted prey serves as the lions' dinner.
In such situations, we display resilience, coexisting with these magnificent beasts with smiles on our faces. When a lion targets a small calf, we don't allow it to consume the kill; instead, we swiftly retrieve and bury it, emphasizing our profound affection for our cattle, akin to our own children.
Growing up in these unusual circumstances, I saw a large number of our community's families progressively move into cities. However, I chose a different path. Now, with three children of my own, we lead a content life engaged in farming and dairy business together. Both my boys are pursuing their studies, and as a family, we navigate life with gratitude and determination.
A New Life.
In 2019, we made a significant move to the city. The year 2020, marked by the challenges of the pandemic, saw my son completing his 10th standard. Unfortunately, his father succumbed to COVID-19, compelling me to step up and support my son in building resilience. To adapt to the changing times, he began working part-time. Reflecting on our traditional ways, we realized the necessity of transitioning to the online era. In a world dominated by laptops, we acknowledged the shift from 'lakdis' (sticks) to laptops and online platforms. This realization prompted the inception of Gir Govalan.
Nestled in Gir, our hometown, 'Gir Govalan' embodies the spirit of our community. The term 'Govalan' refers to women who trade in milk and ghee. In navigating this new journey, we find strength in our roots and adapt to the contemporary landscape of online commerce and technology.
The Future and our aims.
Residing in the city presents distinct challenges compared to our hometown, particularly concerning the quality of milk. My son is dissatisfied with the milk available here. In our village, we have a tradition of freely distributing buttermilk to everyone, and any surplus is poured around the sweet neem tree. We've consistently provided pure milk, and often our customers send their children to collect deliveries. Observing the joy on their faces, we always provide extra milk because we believe in encouraging children to consume it. However, obtaining pure milk and ghee in the city has proven to be quite challenging in recent years but we make it possible with Gir Govalan.
- Enhancing access to affordable and high-quality milk and ghee.
- Ensuring ethical and responsible practices in all aspects of our service.
- Our commitment is to enrich lives through health-focused products that embody excellence and prioritize organic goodness
- As we strive to be a global leader, our vision extends beyond products; we aspire to create a healthy environment, fostering a world where wellness thrives naturally.