Community Guidelines
Effective Date: 1 April 2025 · Last Updated: 1 April 2025
Gau Samman Aahvaan Abhiyaan is a movement rooted in the dignity of Gau Mata, the spiritual heritage of India, and the principle of non-violence. These Community Guidelines govern how all supporters, volunteers, petition signatories, social media followers, event participants, and any person who engages with the Gau Samman movement — online or offline — are expected to conduct themselves.
By participating in the movement in any capacity, you agree to abide by these Guidelines. We reserve the right to disassociate from any individual, group, or affiliated entity found acting in violation of these Guidelines, and to take appropriate legal action where conduct is unlawful.
Our Core Principles
Non-Violence
The campaign is entirely and unconditionally non-violent. Violence of any kind — physical, verbal, or digital — against any person, community, or property is incompatible with this movement.
Non-Partisan
The campaign is not against any political party, government, state, or institution. We advocate for Gau Mata — not against any person or organisation.
Inclusive
Every Indian, regardless of religion, caste, community, language, or region, is welcome to stand for Gau Mata. The movement belongs to all.
Dignity
All engagement within this movement must be conducted with dignity, respect, and reverence — for Gau Mata, for fellow participants, and for those who hold differing views.
Truthful
Information shared in the name of this movement must be accurate. Misinformation, fabrication, or exaggeration damages the movement's credibility and the cause of indigenous cow protection.
No Donations
No donations or financial contributions are solicited or accepted for this campaign. Anyone claiming to collect funds in the name of Gau Samman is acting fraudulently.
1. Standards of Conduct — What We Expect
1.1 In All Interactions
- Treat all people with respect and courtesy, including those who disagree with the mission of the campaign.
- Express your views through peaceful, lawful means: Sankirtan, peaceful rallies, petition letters, and constructive dialogue.
- Represent the movement honestly and accurately. Do not make claims on behalf of the movement that are not authorised.
- Uphold the dignity of all religious traditions, communities, and individuals in your public expression.
- Attribute content to Gau Samman correctly and do not misrepresent or alter campaign materials.
1.2 On Social Media and Digital Platforms
- Share accurate, verified information. Before sharing news, videos, or claims in the name of the movement, verify their authenticity.
- Do not share fabricated quotes, manipulated images, or misleading statistics and attribute them to Gau Samman or its associated saints and leaders.
- Use the movement's hashtags and materials to amplify the constructive message of cow protection — not for personal promotion or unrelated causes.
- Do not engage in online harassment, trolling, abuse, or targeted attacks against any individual or group, even those who oppose the campaign.
- If you create content referencing or inspired by the Gau Samman movement, ensure it is consistent with these Guidelines and the movement's stated principles.
1.3 At Events and Physical Gatherings
- Conduct yourself with discipline, peace, and reverence at all campaign events, rallies, Sankirtans, and public gatherings.
- Adhere strictly to all instructions issued by authorised campaign coordinators at events.
- Do not bring or display political party flags, banners, or symbols at Gau Samman events.
- No photographs of Acharyas, saints, mahants, or political leaders should appear on any poster, banner, or hoarding at events. Only images of Nandi Maharaj and Gau Mata are permitted on campaign materials.
- There are no stage speeches or microphone addresses in this campaign. Do not attempt to make political speeches or addresses at campaign gatherings.
- Do not bring or consume alcohol or intoxicants at any campaign event.
- Do not engage in or incite any damage to public or private property.
2. Prohibited Conduct — What We Do Not Tolerate
The following conduct is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disassociation from the movement and, where applicable, referral to law enforcement:
Violence and Incitement
Any act of physical violence, threat of violence, or incitement to violence against any person, animal (other than the lawful protection of cows), or property. This includes online incitement.
Communal Discord
Any communication, statement, or action designed to incite communal tension, religious hatred, or discrimination between communities on grounds of religion, caste, language, or region. The movement is for all Indians and must never be weaponised for communal purposes.
Fundraising Fraud
Soliciting, collecting, or accepting any donation, contribution, or financial benefit in the name of Gau Samman or the campaign. The campaign accepts no donations of any kind.
Impersonation
Claiming to be an official representative, spokesperson, or leader of Gau Samman without authorisation; impersonating associated saints, scholars, or campaign coordinators; creating unofficial websites, accounts, or materials that could be mistaken for official campaign communications.
Misinformation
Deliberately spreading false, misleading, or unverified information in the name of the campaign, including fabricated statistics, manipulated media, or false attributions to campaign leaders or supporting organisations.
Political Exploitation
Using the campaign, its materials, or its goodwill to promote any political party, electoral candidate, or partisan agenda. The campaign is expressly non-partisan.
Harassment and Abuse
Harassment, intimidation, bullying, stalking, or any abusive conduct directed at any person, whether online or offline, in the name of or associated with the campaign.
Sexual or Obscene Content
Creating or sharing sexual, obscene, or indecent content in connection with the movement.
Discrimination
Discriminating against or excluding any supporter on grounds of religion, caste, gender, language, or regional origin.
Vandalism and Property Damage
Damaging public or private property in the name of cow protection or the campaign. Any such act will be immediately disavowed.
3. Use of Campaign Materials and Name
The name "Gau Samman", "Gau Samman Aahvaan Abhiyaan", and associated logos, slogans, and campaign imagery are the intellectual property of the movement. You may use these materials only in accordance with the following terms:
- Materials may be shared unmodified for non-commercial, civic advocacy purposes with attribution.
- Materials may not be altered, defaced, or used in a context that misrepresents the campaign's mission or principles.
- Campaign materials may not be used for any commercial, advertising, or promotional purpose.
- Campaign materials may not be used to imply endorsement of any political party, commercial product, or personal cause.
- Creating derivative materials that associate the campaign with violence, communal messaging, or any prohibited conduct is strictly forbidden.
4. Reporting Violations
If you witness conduct that violates these Guidelines — including fraudulent donation solicitation, impersonation, violence, communal incitement, or misuse of campaign materials — please report it immediately.
Report a Violation
📞 Helpline: +91 82397 11008
📧 Email: community@gausamman.org
Reports regarding fraudulent donation collection are treated with the highest priority. We will acknowledge your report within 24 hours.
5. Consequences of Violations
We take these Guidelines seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, consequences may include:
- Formal public disassociation of the individual or group from the Gau Samman movement.
- Removal from our digital platforms, mailing lists, and event registrations.
- Reporting to relevant law enforcement or regulatory authorities.
- Civil legal action for misuse of intellectual property, defamation, or fraud.
- Referral to social media platforms for removal of content that violates these Guidelines and platform policies.
6. Updates to These Guidelines
We may update these Community Guidelines as the movement evolves. The Effective Date will be updated accordingly. Continued participation in the movement following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Guidelines.