In the spiritual heartland of Radhakund, near Vrindavan, stands as a sanctuary of compassion Radha Surabhi Gaushala. Its founder, Friederike Irina Bruning, known by her initiation name Sudevi Dasi Ji, is a German-born devotee whose life has become inseparable from her selfless service to India's most vulnerable, the cows. Her journey marked by the practice of devotion, humility, and divine duty began with a single wounded calf and blossomed into a haven for thousands.

From Berlin to Braj: A Spiritual Calling
Born in Berlin in 1958, Friederike’s life took a transformative turn in 1977 when her spiritual quest led her to India. Immersed in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, she felt a profound calling to live a life of spiritual practice.
Her journey that led to the establishment of the Gaushala began with a compassionate act: rescuing a calf with a broken leg lying helpless in the streets. Nurturing that calf marked the turning point of her life. From that compassionate act emerged the seed of what would later become Radha Surabhi Gaushala.

Building a Sanctuary One Cow at a Time
In the early days, Sudevi Dasi Ji rented a small temple with a courtyard. As rescued cows increased to around 30, she expanded to a larger property and founded the Radha Surabhi Gaushala in 2004
Today, the gaushala shelters approximately 2,400 to 3,000 cows, with around 500 of them severely injured and in need of ongoing medical care. Many wear gauze bandages or have splinted or missing limbs, reflecting the depth of their rescue and rehabilitation. The cows that have healed and recuperated are then sent to the other gaushalas, to free up the space and space for the more needy ones for those who couldn’t survive. 
To care for them, nearly 140 dedicated staff work tirelessly. Their daily activities include cleaning stables, feeding, offering medical care, and providing last rites when the time comes.

Healing with Compassion: Medical Care and Rescue
People recount how Sudevi Dasi Ji rescues cows left injured on roads. Many recall the state of these injured cows and how they would lie in the blazing summer sun, often dying of thirst and dogs eating them alive, before she would be able to reach them.
The gaushala operates ambulances equipped with forklifts to rescue injured cows and calves. Immediate veterinary care, wound cleaning, vaccinations, and medications are provided. A team of 20 people is dedicated exclusively to wound cleaning, bandaging and caring for these vulnerable animals.
Sudevi Dasi Ji extends her care beyond the gaushala too, she sends medical teams to assist nearby gaushalas and private cow owners without access to veterinary services.

Recognition and the Price of Devotion
In 2019, the Government of India honored Sudevi Dasi Ji with the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to gau raksha and animal welfare.
Among other accolades she has received, the Mahavir Foundation Award in Chennai, is of great value as she is the only one from Uttar Pradesh to ever receive it. 

Challenges of Space, Resources, and Perseverance
Despite her unwavering dedication, Sudevi Dasi Ji faces relentless challenges. Space constraints on the two-acre site led her to petition the UP government for more land. In 2021, a 12.5-acre expansion in Mukhrai was granted to accommodate the growing herd, but was taken back, citing the reason as gau sharan bhoomi (land) cannot be constructed upon.
Financial sustainability remains a pressing concern. Around Rs. 60L+ is spent on food, shelter, staff salaries, and medical care per month. Donations remain essential to sustain this life-saving mission. 

A Spiritual Mission: Love in Action
For Sudevi Dasi Ji, every cow is more than a rescued animal, they are her children. She says:

“If somebody wanted to harm my children, I would stop them.”


This reflects on her conviction that cows are innocent and pure souls, deserving protection and service not exploitation. Her life is guided by a singular purpose: “To recognize and alleviate the suffering of living beings, human or animal... that too helps the soul to progress, bringing one closer to the Divine.” 

Invitation to Serve: Be Part of the Legacy
Sudevi Dasi Ji’s life calls us all to rediscover compassion and cow seva:
  • Visit Radha Surabhi Gaushala in Radhakund for seva or kirtan.
  • Donate for cows in Vrindavan to support shelter, medical care, and feeding.
  • Adopt a cow, ensuring long-term personal connection and seva.
  • Help spread awareness of cow protection service in Radhakund, so more hearts are touched.

In Closing: Service as Sacred Sadhana
Sudevi Dasi Ji's incredible journey shows how one person's love can transform countless lives. Starting with rescuing a single calf and now sheltering thousands, her dedication to protecting cows isn't about recognition; it's about doing what is right. Her service teaches us that the best way to connect with God is by serving His devotees which includes cows.
As she continues her seva, we can too join in her mission through your devotion, service, or support. By doing so, we not only honor cows but also the compassionate spirit that keeps all life thriving.
The donation you provide goes a long way in providing a dignified life to the cows. Your donation gives a new life to the Gaushala and your heart can now grow knowing you helped heal the divine creation of the Almighty.