Where have all the cows gone?

As far as I can remember, cows used to roam the streets of Noida (and Delhi, and every other city in India). However, this time, they were almost nowhere to be seen. Apparently, the government had put out a scheme to capture these cows - anyone who caught one and gave it to the authorities would get Rs. 3000. There began the rat-race to catch these cows - chasing cows, grabbing others', resulting in overall violence.

In Ahmedabad, my cousin, Saurabh, gave me an architectural tour of the old fortified area, filled with beautiful Pol houses from different eras (Maratha, British and Mogul eras). Each had intricately carved wood panels at their entrances and ornate interiors, although they were in crumbling conditions. In the tiny, meandering streets, obstinate, large cows could be seen everywhere. They are let loose by nomadic farmers, and are fed by local residents, who keep trays of hay and organic food remains outside their doorways, as per ancient custom. This co-dependence mystified me - after all, why would people want their porches to become a water-cooler for gossiping, nosy bovines? And why, now, after living in an urbanized, modernized Ahmedabad? Interdependence forms the very fabric of India,whether it is between men or animals - this is what reminds one that we are alive for a reason, beyond just for ourselves.