It is 2 p.m. and a group of men sit on concrete platforms outside their houses in the Arab community dominated area of Barkas (name derived from ‘barracks’ that were constructed to house the Nizam’s Army) in the south of the old city of Hyderabad while a person clad in the traditional lungi and shirt, holding a few pamphlets, addresses them.

“Look, we have to set an example by showing respect for the religious beliefs of other communities,” he says to the gathering.

“What difference will it make if we do not sacrifice a cow? A festival is a joyous occasion and all sections of the society should be happy,” he says, even while his colleagues explain the advantages of cow milk.

Meet Abdullah Bin Ali Alhaj Bahmaid, an advocate-cum-social activist from Barkas, who has embarked on a mission to promote amity between different religious groups.

“At the time of ‘Eid-ul-Adha’, there is a lot of tension over the issue of cow slaughter. Muslims need to think over this issue. Moreover, it is banned and would invite legal problems too,” Mr. Bahmaid pointed out.

Along with many other youngsters in his neighbourhood, he has formed the ‘Arabs Cow Protection Organisation’ or ‘Gau Raksha Dal’ with an aim to prevent the sale, transport and slaughter of cows. “Our mission is to ensure no one slaughters a cow on ‘Eid-ul-Adha’. Initially, we are trying to convince people in our locality and there is positive response,” the 35-year-old claims.

Many such street corner meetings were held in the area in the last few weeks. The group also visited the local Madarsas and mosques to seek the support of the religious leaders. “NRIs staying in the Middle East have also extended their support to the mission,” chips in another group member, Abdul Raheem Bavazir.

In the last two months, the group claims to have successfully ‘convinced’ 20 odd beef shop owners in the neighbourhood.