Arriving in India in search of meaning in life, the German woman known as Sudevi Dasi now cares for over 2500 sick, injured, and abandoned cows in Radha Kund, Mathura.
Her spiritual quest led her to Radha Kund in Braj, where she embraced devotion and became known as Sudevi Dasi. One day, she found an injured calf by the roadside; its hind leg was broken, and the wound was infected with worms. It had been left to die, but Sudevi took it home.
She treated and cared for the calf, saving its life. However, soon other sick and injured cows began to be brought to her, which she could not refuse. The number of animals quickly grew from a few to dozens, and then to thousands.
In 1996, she founded Radha Surabhi Gaushala, which became a shelter for often unwanted cows: sick, injured, blind, disabled, and abandoned. Here, the animals receive food, shelter, and most importantly, care and love.
Today, this gaushala houses over 2500 cows. Notably, this gaushala does not operate for milk sales; in fact, milk is purchased externally to feed orphaned calves.
For Sudevi Dasi, this is not just a gaushala, but a home for animals that people have abandoned due to illness, injury, or old age. In this place, mothers and calves are never separated, and every cow has a chance to live with dignity.
Over three decades of her service have touched thousands of lives. According to the Foundation, the Trust received benefits for 15,700 cows in the last three years. Furthermore, Sudevi's work across India has received recognition. In 2019, she was awarded the Padma Shri for social work and animal welfare.
Born in Germany, Sudevi found the purpose of her life in India and dedicated it to serving those who cannot speak for themselves.