Several world records holder, Dr. Sitaram Gupta has dedicated his life to protecting the environment through innovations like the Gokasht made from cow dung. Author of Gaumay Gyansagar, he strives to inspire the society to preserve nature while rediscovering the wisdom behind India's cultural heritage.

Dr. Sitaram Gupta is the Founder of ‘Gaumaya Pariwar’, a prominent Jaipur-based sustainable initiative that transforms ethically sourced cow dung into eco-friendly products while promoting environmental conservation and sustainable living.

Dr. Gupta has also written a book named ‘Gaumay Gyansagar’ which is the world’s first book printed on paper made from cow dung of ‘Desi’ cows. The book has earned six world records and has also been declared as a Bestseller on Amazon.

Dr. Gupta shares that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he discovered an idea that could pave the way for zero-pollution cremation of dead bodies. He says that this realization inspired him to address one of the most overlooked environmental challenges in India. According to Dr. Gupta, traditional cremation practices contribute significantly to air pollution, and he believes it is essential to create sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives that preserve cultural traditions while minimizing their environmental impact.

Dr. Gupta points out that the traditional cremation process releases harmful pollutants and fine particulate matter into the air, which can adversely affect the health of nearby residents. He believes that prolonged exposure to such air pollution may contribute to serious health issues, including respiratory illnesses and an increased risk of diseases such as cancer.

Even while he was thinking about this problem, the second deadlier wave of COVID-19 struck the country. Dr. Gupta recalls coming across reports that, due to a severe shortage of firewood for cremations, nearly 2,000 bodies were reportedly simply immersed in rivers. This deeply disturbed him and strengthened his resolve to find an environmentally sustainable and dignified alternative to traditional cremation practices.

Witnessing the worsening situation during the COVID-19 pandemic caused Dr. Sitaram Gupta immense emotional pain. It also prompted a profound question: If firewood is available, cremation can take place—but if it is not, should the final rites come to a halt? This thought became the foundation of a larger vision. Determined to find a sustainable solution, Dr. Gupta began exploring alternatives for cremation that would be environmentally friendly, create significantly less pollution, and uphold the dignity and sanctity of the final rites according to Hindu traditions.

Recalling the difficult days of the pandemic, Dr. Gupta says that the unprecedented number of deaths, coupled with the shortage of firewood in several places, highlighted the limitations of existing cremation infrastructure. Reports of bodies being buried or found floating in rivers reflected the gravity of the situation and underscored the need for better preparedness.

According to Dr. Gupta, these circumstances served as a wake-up call, making people realize that natural resources are finite and must be used responsibly. He believes that if timely and sustainable alternatives are not adopted, future generations may face even greater challenges. Therefore, he advocates embracing environmentally friendly substitutes that preserve the dignity of the final rites while protecting the environment.

While searching for solutions to these growing environmental concerns,Dr. Sitaram Gupta focused on finding ways to reduce the harmful emissions generated during cremation. His vision was to develop a sustainable alternative that could significantly reduce carbon dioxide and other toxic emissions, moving towards a net-zero emission approach.

With this vision in mind, Dr. Gupta developed an eco-friendly alternative to firewood by creating a unique composition of parali (crop residue), cow dung from indigenous (Desi) cows, and selected ‘Hawan samagri’. This innovative combination emerged as a sustainable substitute for traditional firewood used in cremation.

Environmental Visionary Dr. Gupta states that this is the first composition of its kind in the world, which he named "Gaumaya Samidha." He explains that Gaumaya refers to the cow dung of an indigenous (Desi) cow, while Samidha means "the sacred sticks used for performing a Yajna." According to him, the composition is so pure and sacred that it can also be used for performing Yajnas, making it not only an environmentally sustainable innovation but also one that aligns with India's cultural and spiritual traditions.

Dr. Sitaram Gupta further shares his belief that the final cremation is, in essence, the last Yajna. He explains that just as offerings are made into the sacred fire during a Yajna, the final rites involve offering the human body to the five elements of nature. In this sense, he views the cremation ceremony as the final Havan, deeply rooted in India's spiritual and cultural traditions. To preserve its sanctity, he conducted extensive research to ensure that the final rites could be performed with the same reverence and spiritual significance while significantly reducing their environmental impact.

In 2021, the organisation introduced another innovative initiative—the use of cow dung logs (Gokasht) for Holika Dahan. Dr. Gupta approached the Jaipur Municipal Corporation with the proposal, and with the support of the civic authorities, the media, and trade associations, a coordinated campaign was launched. A meeting involving the Municipal Corporation, media houses, and the Board of Trade helped lay the foundation for the initiative. At the time, a contribution of ₹2,100 was fixed for each Holika Dahan, under which Gokasht was delivered directly to the designated location.

The initial target for 2021 was to facilitate Holika Dahan at 500 locations. However, the response exceeded all expectations, with more than 750 locations adopting Gokasht in the very first year. The movement continued to grow steadily, reaching approximately 1,550 locations in 2022, 2,650 in 2023, 3,500 in 2024, and nearly 5,500 locations in 2025. Today, the contribution stands at around ₹2,500 per Holika Dahan, creating a sustainable source of income for gaushalas. According to Dr. Gupta, this initiative has generated nearly ₹1.25 crore in a single day for gaushalas, demonstrating how environmentally conscious traditions can also become financially sustainable.

Dr. Sitaram Gupta shares that, by the grace of God, over the past year, the Gaumaya Pariwar organisation has created 25 world records for its contributions towards environmental conservation and the welfare of cows.

One such landmark achievement took place in June 2025 in collaboration with the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam). On 22 June, Gaumaya Parivar organised a unique programme combining Yoga and Yagya, bringing together participants from more than 100 organisations. As part of the event, people collectively performed yoga for nearly 30 hours, while a continuous Yagya using Gaumaya Samidha was conducted for 11 hours and 25 minutes.

Recalling the event, Dr. Gupta says that although the sun remained bright throughout the day, a heavy downpour began during the Purnahuti (final oblation) of the Yagya. Many participants considered it a divine blessing and believed that the rainfall symbolised the successful completion and acceptance of the sacred ritual. The programme also earned two world records simultaneously, marking yet another milestone in Gaumaya Parivar's mission of promoting sustainable traditions and environmental awareness.

Again, in the month of October, they organised a Ravan Dahan program using Gaumaya Samidha. As the ceremony traditionally requires a large quantity of wood logs, the entire 72-foot-tall effigy of Ravana was instead made from cow dung cakes, stuffed with green crackers, coated with cow dung, and lit using Gaumaya Samidha. Organised in collaboration with the Pratap Nagar Vikas Samiti, Jaipur, the event was witnessed by more than 50,000 people and was honoured with three world records.

Continuing their efforts, Dr. Gupta shares that in the month of November, they organised the first-ever marathon for cows, in which more than 25,000 people participated. The event also earned three world records.

Reflecting on the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Healthy Lifestyle Promoter Dr. Sitaram Gupta shares that in the month of January, the Prime Minister encouraged people to reduce their consumption of oil and ghee by 10% to lead a healthier lifestyle. Inspired by this message, and with the belief that healthy and delicious food could even be prepared without the use of oil and ghee, Dr. Gupta decided to organise an event. With this vision, he, along with the Khandelwal Samaj and the participation of more than 3,000 people, organised a Zero Oil Cooking Festival. A total of 58 oil-free dishes were prepared, proving that healthy food can also be finger-licking delicious. The event was recognised with four world records.

Adding more to the list of achievements, Dr. Gupta shares that during the months of February and March, Gaumaya Pariwar, in collaboration with five major organisations, organised the Mahakumbh for Health. The initiative comprised several events, some of which were conducted over two days, with individual events witnessing the participation of 15,000 to 20,000 people. Over the course of the two-day programme, seven world records were created, out of which six world records were awarded to the Gaumaya Gyansagar alone.

Dr. Gupta further shares that, by the grace of God, 25 world records have been achieved through various initiatives over the last 12 months, and this mission of creating meaningful impact will continue in the years to come.

Highlighting one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges, Dr. Sitaram Gupta underscores that global warming is one of the biggest concerns before the world today. It has become a major topic of discussion across global media, governments, and private organizations. According to him, everyone is searching for practical, result-oriented solutions to combat the growing threat of global warming and reduce its impact on the environment.

Adding further, Founder of Gaumaya Pariwar Dr. Sitaram Gupta shares that during the COVID-19 pandemic, while people were confined to their homes, he observed two remarkable changes from his terrace—the sky appeared clearer, with stars visible in unprecedented detail, and water bodies looked cleaner than ever before. These observations led him to believe that nature has the ability to heal itself, and that human activities are largely responsible for disturbing its balance.

Adding further, Dr. Sitaram Gupta shares that in 2015, during the global climate discussions that led to the Paris Agreement, world leaders committed themselves to reducing carbon emissions and to addressing climate change more seriously. After the conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi later reaffirmed India's commitment to slowing down climate change by pledging to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Inspired by this vision, Dr. Gupta felt that even an ordinary citizen could make a meaningful contribution towards environmental conservation. This thought motivated him to transform his idea into action, eventually leading to the establishment of a sustainable startup.

Reflecting on the early days of building Gaumaya, Eco-Entrepreneur Dr. Sitaram Gupta shares that no meaningful path is without challenges. He believes that true success is earned through perseverance, adding that success achieved without hardship cannot be truly appreciated. Recalling his own entrepreneurial experience, he says that establishing Gaumaya required overcoming numerous obstacles and setbacks.

Dr. Sitaram Gupta further explains that, traditionally, Moksha Dhams were located on the outskirts of villages, away from residential areas. However, with rapid urbanization, many crematoriums in cities—especially in Jaipur, where Gaumaya's pilot projects are being implemented—are now surrounded by densely populated neighborhoods.

However, the path was far from easy. Environmentalist Dr. Gupta recalls that whenever he initially approached cremation sites with his proposal, it was met with strong resistance and outright rejection. Reflecting on these experiences, he realized that one of the primary reasons for the opposition was the long-established dependence on firewood for traditional cremations. Many people associated with the firewood trade feared that adopting an eco-friendly alternative would affect their livelihoods and businesses, making them reluctant to accept the new idea.

Dr. Sitaram Gupta further explains that bringing change to age-old traditions is never easy. He believes that introducing an alternative to practices followed for generations requires patience, awareness, and public acceptance. However, he also feels that the COVID-19 pandemic made people realize the importance of exploring sustainable alternatives.

Another challenge that Dr. Sitaram Gupta often faces is initiating conversations about funeral rites. Whenever he invites people to discuss the subject, they often respond by saying, "First let us live our lives; we'll talk about that later." Despite this hesitation, Dr. Gupta continues to spread awareness about the importance of making last rites more environmentally responsible.

Dr. Gupta further shares that after becoming associated with the Gayatri Parivar in 1995, where Yagya Sanskar is practiced, he took a pledge to organise 81 Panchkundiya Yagyas. So far, 46 of these Yagyas have been successfully conducted across different communities, with 35 still remaining. These Yagyas are organised completely free of cost. The hosting community is only required to arrange basic facilities such as seating for 50 to 100 participants, drinking water, and a shaded area. Every other requirement—including the Yagya Kund, Hawan Samagri, ghee, camphor, and the arrangement of priests—is provided entirely free of charge by the Gaumaya Parivar.

Dr. Gupta explains that these Yagyas often witness the participation of 50, 100, or even 200 people, who devote about an hour to the sacred ritual. Following the ceremony, he spends nearly half an hour engaging with the gathering, encouraging open discussions on adopting eco-friendly funeral practices. During these interactions, he motivates communities to gradually replace conventional wooden logs used in cremation with Gaumaya Samidha, thereby preserving the spiritual sanctity of the last rites while significantly reducing their environmental impact.

Reflecting on his rural upbringing, Dr. Sitaram Gupta shares another challenge that deeply influenced his mission. He explains that in villages, funeral rites are carried out with collective community support. Every household contributes five or six wooden logs along with cow dung cakes (kande), ensuring that no family has to bear the cost of firewood during such a difficult time.

In contrast, Dr. Gupta observes that urban life has become so fast-paced and commercially driven that even the wood required for a person's final rites is bought and bargained over. "We have become so occupied with business and daily life that even the wood for a deceased person's cremation is negotiated," he says.

To address this growing concern, Environmentalist Dr. Sitaram Gupta initiated an effort to revive the Sanatan tradition rooted in the belief that "Giving wood for a funeral pyre is a virtuous act." Inspired by this age-old value, he envisioned a community-driven model that would restore the spirit of collective responsibility towards the last rites.

Dr. Gupta explains that nearly one crore funerals take place every year among the Sanatani community in India. He believes that if, out of the country's 100 crore Sanatan followers, if every person chooses to sponsor the materials required for just one funeral in a year, it would become possible to perform every funeral across the country free of cost. According to him, this initiative is not merely about financial support but about reviving the culture of daan (selfless giving), where society comes together to ensure that every individual receives a dignified farewell without placing an economic burden on the bereaved family.

Over time, thousands of people have joined this noble cause. Every supporter contributes an amount equivalent to the cost of one funeral each year. However, Dr. Sitaram Gupta ensures that this contribution is never accepted as a donation alone. In return, every contributor receives a Gau Gavya product of the same value. From a range of over 150 products made from cow dung and gomutra (cow urine), contributors may receive any one product matching the amount of their contribution.

Dr. Gupta explains that this unique model serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps Gau Gavya products reach more households, encouraging people to adopt environmentally friendly and traditional alternatives in their daily lives. Secondly, it supports the sustainability of ‘gaushalas’ by creating a market for their value-added products. At the same time, contributors do not develop a sense of pride from simply making a donation, and the organisation does not feel hesitant in accepting their contribution, as it is an exchange of equal value rather than charity.

According to Dr. Gupta, this approach creates a meaningful cycle in which every contribution benefits society in multiple ways—supporting dignified funeral rites, strengthening gaushalas, promoting eco-friendly products, and encouraging healthier and more sustainable living, while preserving the true spirit of selfless service.

Born in Kota, Dr. Sitaram Gupta spent the first eight years of his life in his ancestral home, where he grew up in close association with cows and a traditional rural lifestyle. Reflecting on those early years, he says that living in a home filled with cows and surrounded by nature instilled in him values that continue to shape his life and work today.

Drawing a comparison with modern urban living, Dr. Gupta observes that today's apartment culture has left little space even for people to live comfortably, leaving no place for cows within households. As a result, cows have either been confined to gaushalas or are left wandering on the streets, struggling for survival. According to him, this gradual separation of humans from nature and cattle has not only affected the well-being of cows but has also distanced people from a balanced and harmonious way of life.

Dr. Gupta has consistently worked towards improving the condition of cows in the country while promoting the revival of traditional Indian values. He envisions a society where every home once again nurtures a cow and a Tulsi plant, symbolising harmony with nature and a return to cultural roots.

He further reflects on another tradition that he believes has gradually disappeared from modern homes. "Earlier, every house had a Rasoi (traditional kitchen)," he says.

"जब तक घर में रसोई थी, जीवन में रस का वास था;

और जिस दिन से घर में किचन आई, घरों में किच-किच हो गई।"

Through this light-hearted yet meaningful observation, Dr. Gupta emphasizes that traditional lifestyles fostered togetherness, warmth, and stronger family bonds. Preserving these cultural values, he believes, is just as important as preserving the environment.

At the age of nine, Dr. Gupta moved to Jaipur with his family. Since then, he has lived in the city for over four decades and is now approaching 53 years of age. Although he has spent most of his life in an urban environment, the values of his rural childhood upbringing continue to inspire his vision of building a society that is environmentally conscious, culturally rooted, and socially responsible.

Reflecting on his younger years, Dr. Gupta shares that, like many teenagers, he too dreamed of doing something that had never been done before. At the age of 16 or 17, he aspired to create a meaningful impact and achieve something extraordinary. However, as life progressed, reality gradually took over. Between the ages of 25 and 30, priorities shifted towards completing his education, getting married, raising a family, and fulfilling everyday responsibilities. Like countless others, he found himself caught in the routine cycle of life and began to believe that he would simply follow the same path that most people do.

Coming from a real estate background, Real Estate Developer Dr. Sitaram Gupta was actively involved in the construction of G+2 residential apartments and villas. Everything was progressing well until the COVID-19 pandemic brought life to an unexpected standstill. With construction work halted and people confined to their homes for several months, he found himself reflecting deeply on the changing realities of life.

Looking back on that period, Dr. Gupta recalls that only a few essential services continued to function uninterrupted—medical services, grocery supplies, and funeral rites. Witnessing this reality during the pandemic strengthened his belief that while life may come to a halt in times of crisis, the responsibility of ensuring a dignified final farewell remains constant. This realization further inspired him to dedicate himself to making funeral rites more accessible, affordable, and environmentally sustainable.

Reflecting on the lessons he learned during the pandemic, Dr. Sitaram Gupta says, "If your work does not fall under the category of essential services, it can come to a standstill at any time." During the COVID-19 crisis, even large industries were forced to shut down, yet three services continued without interruption—medical care, grocery supplies, and funeral rites. Among these, he believes funeral services demand the greatest urgency, as they cannot be delayed under any circumstances.

Another thought that deeply inspired him was the desire to contribute meaningfully to society. According to Dr. Gupta, earning a livelihood is important, but serving society is equally essential. He draws inspiration from the teachings of the ‘Shastras’, which encourage individuals to dedicate one-tenth of their earnings towards the welfare of the community that helped them reach where they are today.

"The day such sustainable models are adopted on a larger scale, gaushalas will become self-reliant, and no cow will have to suffer due to a lack of resources," says Dr. Sitaram Gupta.

Explaining the philosophy behind his work, Dr. Sitaram Gupta says that if you sincerely dedicate yourself to any good cause, recognition will naturally follow. According to him, the key lies in remaining consistent and working with the intention of giving back to society. He believes that if a person thinks only about personal success, there is no certainty of achieving it. However, the moment one begins working selflessly for the welfare of society, nature responds with abundance, opening new opportunities and ensuring that sincere efforts are ultimately rewarded with success.

Gaumay Gyansagar Author Dr. Sitaram Gupta further shares that the thought of giving back to society has been with him since childhood. He recalls reading the ancient Indian saying, "वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्"—the whole world is one family. According to him, with global warming becoming a challenge for the entire world, he often reflects on this philosophy and asks himself, "If the whole world is our family, shouldn't we do something to help our family overcome this problem?"

Sharing his personal views, Health Awareness Promoter Dr. Sitaram Gupta says that a healthy person requires 21% oxygen, and he believes that such levels are now found only in the Himalayan region. According to him, the oxygen percentage in the rest of the country has declined significantly. He further believes that Punjab is among the most affected states, with what he describes as only 13–14% oxygen in the air. In his opinion, this is one of the reasons why the state has witnessed a high number of cancer patients. He also refers to the popularly known train that carries many cancer patients from Punjab to Bikaner for treatment, citing it as an example of the growing health concerns.

Talking about his role model and guru, Dr. Sitaram Gupta considers Acharya Shriram Sharma, founder of the World Gayatri Pariwar, as the greatest source of inspiration in his life. He describes Acharya Shriram Sharma as a visionary who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of society. According to Dr. Gupta, Acharya Shriram Sharma spent 24 years following a highly disciplined lifestyle, during which he fed a desi cow with barley and millet and sustained himself only on food prepared using the cow's dung as fuel and buttermilk obtained from that cow.

Dr. Gupta further shares that although Acharya Shriram Sharma had formal education only up to the fourth standard, he authored more than 5,000 books, leaving behind a vast treasure of knowledge that, in his view, has the power to transform anyone's life. Inspired by his teachings, values, and selfless service towards humanity, Dr. Sitaram Gupta strives to walk in his footsteps and continues to dedicate himself to works that contribute to the welfare of society.

For the Founder of Gaumaya Pariwar Dr. Gupta, the principle of "वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्" is not merely a saying but a way of life. He believes that every individual should work towards creating a positive impact for the entire world. According to him, when people begin to see the world as one family, they naturally become more committed to protecting nature and contributing to the well-being of society and future generations.

Sharing a message for the youth of the nation, Dr. Sitaram Gupta says that the youth are the future of the country and will play a defining role in shaping its tomorrow. According to him, many young people today have become distracted, less grounded, and increasingly disconnected from their roots and cultural heritage. In his view, the time has come to reconnect them with India's traditions and values.

Dr. Gupta believes that today's youth are capable of achieving anything, provided they understand the logic behind what they are being asked to follow. According to him, the challenge is not that the younger generation is unwilling to embrace culture, but that they are often not given meaningful explanations. He feels that when traditions are explained with reason and clarity, rather than being presented merely as customs, young people naturally connect with them. Dr. Gupta believes that by helping the youth understand the logic behind India's cultural practices, they will not only embrace them with conviction but also carry them forward for future generations.

On a concluding note, Dr. Sitaram Gupta shares a heartfelt message for everyone. According to him, God has blessed us with a human life, and the greatest difference between human beings and animals is that humans have the ability not only to think but also to transform their thoughts into meaningful actions. In his view, while other beings are largely dependent, human beings are independent and possess the power to create positive change.

Gaumaya Pariwar Founder Dr. Gupta believes that if one has been blessed with a human birth, one should think beyond personal interests and live by the philosophy of "वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्" (the whole world is one family). He encourages everyone to do at least one meaningful act for society, the nation, and the world—not for recognition or appreciation, but for their own inner satisfaction.

He concludes by saying that, at the end of life, a person should be able to look back with the contentment that this precious human birth was not wasted. According to Dr. Gupta, if God has given us the opportunity to be born as human beings, we should strive to leave this world knowing that we lived a meaningful, purposeful, and successful life by contributing to the welfare of others.