During a public meeting in Belagavi on Thursday, community elders shared their worries that young shepherds are slowly giving up their traditional work. They said modern lifestyle changes, climate change, and less grazing land are the main reasons.
The discussion happened after the screening of Bhed Chal (Herd Walk) — an award-winning documentary on Deccan shepherd life, made by Ankit Pogula and Harsh Satya. The event was organised by Dakhnii Dairies at the Belgaum Foundry Cluster in Udyambag. People from Kadoli, Uchagaon, Chachadi, and Amdapur — where the film was shot — were also present.
“Shepherding is more than just a job”
Spiritual leader Neelkanth Mama Kurubar said the number of sheep and shepherds has reduced heavily.
“Before Independence, Karnataka had around four crore sheep and goats. Now there are only 1.4 crore,” he said.
He explained that shepherding helps keep a balance between land, water, animals, and people.
He also said that climate change, loss of grazing land, and disappearing plant species are making it difficult for shepherds to survive.
Elders added that many young people prefer city life now. When they compare their income with other jobs, shepherding looks less respected. They said it is important to protect grazing lands and preserve traditional knowledge.
A film that asks: Why must sheep always walk?
Filmmaker Pogula said the documentary shows the spiritual and cultural meaning of shepherd life.
“A shepherd’s duty is to walk, just like water must keep flowing,” he said.
The team spent years traveling with shepherds who walk over 400 km every season.
Co-director Harsh Satya talked about practices like using sheep droppings as natural fertilizer and protecting native breeds.
He mentioned that the Balu Mama shrines near the Karnataka–Maharashtra border are taking care of 40,000 native sheep, which is important for conservation.
Respect for the community and the filmmakers
Belagavi SP Bheemashankar S. Guled appreciated the film for showing the simple and hardworking life of shepherds. He said such stories remind city people of their rural roots.
The event also highlighted a wool handicraft training centre run by Dakhnii Dairies, which helps women learn new skills and modern marketing.
The filmmakers and community leaders were honoured at the event, in the presence of environmentalists, industrialists, and social groups.
