Know our Farmers
"“माँ का दर्जा हम ने तीन को दिया है - गौ माता, धरती माता और जनम देने वाली माता मेरा मानना ये है की धरती माता और जनम देने वाली माता को भी ये गौ माता पाल रही है कैसे? क्यूंकि इसी माँ के खाद गोबर से हमारे खेत उपजाऊ हैं और मेरी माता जो 85 की है, वो इसी गौ माता के दूध से अपने आप को स्वस्त रख पायी है”
“We’re trying to find market and consumers are looking for good suppliers. But the market linkage system is broken. Having young folks at Swastik is a reassurance that this can be worked upon”"
Shriman Surendra Awana Ji
Hailing from Bhairana village in Rajasthan, Surendra Awana transformed his family's traditional farming methods into a modern, sustainable farming enterprise. Embracing the Integrated Farming System (IFS), he has cultivated 55 acres organically, incorporating dairy farming, horticulture, medicinal crops, and eco-friendly innovations. By utilizing cow dung to produce items like bricks and lamps, Awana has created a farm that benefits the environment while maximizing profitability.
His recognitions include the IARI-Fellow Farmer Award 2023 by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Jagjivan Ram Abhinav Kisan Puraskar 2021 by ICAR, National Gopal Ratna Award 2021 by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, National Haldhar Organic Award 2019 by ICAR, Krishak Protsahan Award 2021 by the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Progressive Farmer Samman in 2020 and 2022 by the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Certificate of Commendation for Breed Improvement 2020 by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, State-Level Animal Husbandry First Award 2023 by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, First Prize for Organic Farming 2021 by the Government of Rajasthan, and Breed Conservation Award 2023 by ICAR.
On 12th of Dec’16, he started his farm with 2 Gir cows and today have more than 400+ Gir cows on his farm. He fondly calls them his kids at the farm, proudly stating that the reverence attached to Indian Cow in our culture has a very scientific base to it. She, the Indian Cow, affectionately called “गौ माता” is given the position of a mother as she sustains the other two mothers - mother Earth and our Birth Mother.
“With the dung and fodder of this cow, I sustain my land which was otherwise barren - producing fresh and organic produce. And my mother who is 85, keep herself healthy with this mother's milk.”
Meet Vidya, an ambitious young girl who dreams of becoming a teacher when she grows up. Vidya is part of a remarkable farmer family that lives in a small village, 200 kilometers away from Kota. Her family, with over 20 members, has a story that resonates with hard work and a deep-rooted connection to nature and tradition.
The family’s farm is a hub of life and togetherness. The farm itself is entirely organic, and all the children pitch in after school to work alongside their parents. For these kids, farm work isn’t a chore—it’s something that brings them closer to nature and their family.
One of the most extraordinary aspects of this family’s life is their bond with their 200+ Gir Indian cows. These cows are not just livestock; they are cherished pets, lovingly named and cared for like family members. The cows are taken on afternoon walks, fed a diet enriched with herbal plants, and nurtured with extra care during pregnancy or illness. For this family, the cows are a source of livelihood and love —a reflection of their respect for life.
Deeply rooted in the principles of Hindu Vedas, their devotion showcases the spiritual and cultural significance they attach to their cows, treating them as sacred beings central to their way of life.
Despite their dedication, the family faced significant challenges. The premium milk produced by their cows wasn’t affordable in the villages, and access to the right market was limited. Struggling to make ends meet, they found themselves at a heartbreaking crossroads: they considered selling their cows, their beloved pets and their primary means of sustenance.
But the family’s spirit refused to break. They decided to lean into their heritage and expertise, focusing on a time-honored tradition: making hand-churned ghee. This wasn’t just any ghee; it was a product of unmatched quality, created using age-old techniques passed down through generations. The family had experienced its benefits firsthand—strength, vitality, and overall health—and they believed others would value it, too, even if they couldn’t articulate its myriad advantages.
It was at this critical juncture that we met the family. The eldest son, Shriman X, in all of our conversation said one thing that stayed with us: “शुद्ध के लिए युद्ध करना है”. Hearing his words, we knew we had found the right partners—a family whose determination, and love for their work aligned perfectly with our own.
Today, when you savor the rich, golden ghee sourced from this incredible family, you’re not just enjoying a premium product. You’re supporting a community that embodies resilience, tradition, and the enduring spirit of rural India. You’re helping Vidya and her siblings dream bigger, ensuring their cows are cared for like the family they are, and preserving a legacy that is as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body.