Our relationship with cows began before we understood their economic usefulness—with childhood curiosity, familiarity and affection.
Later, seeing cattle that had once belonged to households being sent to slaughter when they were no longer considered productive led us to question the conditions we place on care.
“Does a cow’s right to continued existence depend entirely on what she produces for us?”
For Nilam, this question opened a wider conversation about how we recognise value: in animals, in traditional knowledge and in the skills that sustain communities.
Our purpose is to recognise and nurture lives, knowledge and relationships that are easily overlooked. In Switzerland, this takes shape through caring for cows and bringing people together. Through our connection with India, it extends to women’s livelihoods, indigenous knowledge and community development.
A child approaches with curiosity. A caregiver shares years of experience. A visitor remembers a grandparent’s village. A farmer explains how fodder, cattle and soil belong to the same agricultural relationship.
At Nilam, these encounters create opportunities to listen, learn and participate. Caring for animals gives people a shared responsibility, while conversations around them open pathways into agriculture, indigenous knowledge, spirituality and community life.
We welcome people who share an interest in nature, compassion and non-violence. Whether you visit, volunteer or support the cows from a distance, you become part of this relationship.
When a person finishes their working life, their dignity remains. Their need for care does not have to be justified by another source of income.
This understanding helps us reflect on our relationship with cows.
A cow may stop producing milk while continuing to provide manure, maintain bonds within her herd and hold a familiar place in the lives of her caregivers. These contributions deserve recognition. Her care should continue even when they bring no financial return.
Nilam brings together community support, learning opportunities and the responsible use of resources to help sustain lifelong care.
