Gangtok: In a heartwarming gesture blending philanthropy with ecological awareness, prominent social worker and Chief Patron of Garib Jan Kalyan Prakosta (GJKP), Prabhakar Golay, has adopted a senior yak at the Himalayan Zoological Park.
The venerable animal has been affectionately named “Abo,” a term resonating across various Himalayan dialects, signifying “elder.” Golay’s contribution of ₹50,000 for the adoption underscores a burgeoning initiative to spotlight Sikkim’s delicate ecological balance and the profound cultural importance of the Himalayan yak.
Known for his quiet dedication and extensive grassroots work across Sikkim, Golay described his act as a humble “way to give back to the land and its people.” Through GJKP, he has been instrumental in organizing numerous free medical camps, youth empowerment programs, and vital rights-awareness campaigns in the state’s rural pockets.
The adoption of Abo is deeply consistent with Golay’s unpretentious, service-driven ethos. He once shared in a community gathering, “I look up to my father for his work, and my mother for her endless support,” offering a rare insight into the personal convictions that shape his public service.
Yaks, locally known as Lhono, are cornerstones of Sikkim’s high-altitude communities. While male yaks are referred to as Yak, females are called Knoh. These magnificent creatures are indispensable to both the local ecosystem and livelihoods, yielding milk, wool, and butter during their calving season, typically from March to April. This bounty sustains countless remote families well into September.
According to the Zoological Park’s caretakers, Abo is among the oldest yaks residing there, symbolizing resilience amidst a changing climate. His majestic long coat features Tcheepoh, the thick back hair traditionally used for crafting tents, and Khulu, the exquisitely fine undercoat shed by younger calves, which is highly prized for its softness and often likened to the luxurious feel of pashmina.
Through this personal act of adopting a native species, Golay aims to amplify public awareness about environmental conservation. While GJKP has historically focused on human welfare, this step signifies an expanded vision—one that now embraces environmental stewardship and a deep reverence for age-old Himalayan traditions.
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