Pushpa M. Bhargava is the founder-director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad and is seen as the architect of modern biology in India. The former vice-chairman of the National Knowledge Commission was summoned to give evidence before a committee set up by the Government of India in the late 1960s when the movement against cow slaughter was led by then RSS chief M.S. Golwalkar. He spoke to Saba Naqvi about his experiences with this committee and his scientific views on cows, buffaloes and what to do with livestock. Excerpts: