Prove you are Hindu, ban beef export: Shankaracharya to CM Yogi
In a bold and unprecedented move, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranad Saraswati has given a 40-day “ultimatum” to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to prove his commitment to Hindu values. The revered spiritual leader has demanded that the CM take concrete steps to halt beef exports from the state and declare the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ (Mother of the State). This ultimatum comes after Shankaracharya returned to his Varanasi math following a period of protest over allegedly being stopped by the administration from taking a holy dip during the Prayagraj Magh Mela.
The Shankaracharya’s demands are rooted in his belief that the cow is a sacred animal in Hinduism and that its protection is a fundamental aspect of Hindu values. By calling for a ban on beef exports, he is seeking to uphold the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion that are central to Hindu philosophy. Furthermore, by declaring the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’, he is seeking to recognize the animal’s revered status in Hindu culture and to ensure its protection and welfare.
The Shankaracharya’s ultimatum has sparked a heated debate in the state, with many Hindus expressing support for his demands. They argue that the protection of the cow is a matter of great importance and that the state government has a responsibility to uphold Hindu values. On the other hand, critics have argued that the Shankaracharya’s demands are unrealistic and that a ban on beef exports would have significant economic implications for the state.
It is worth noting that the issue of cow protection is a highly sensitive and emotive one in India. The cow is considered a sacred animal in Hinduism, and its slaughter is strictly prohibited in many states. However, the reality is that India is also a major exporter of beef, with many states, including Uttar Pradesh, having a significant beef industry. The Shankaracharya’s demands, therefore, pose a significant challenge to the state government, which must balance the need to protect Hindu values with the economic realities of the beef industry.
The Shankaracharya’s protest during the Prayagraj Magh Mela was also a significant event, as it highlighted the tensions between the spiritual leader and the state administration. The administration had allegedly stopped the Shankaracharya from taking a holy dip in the Ganges River, citing security concerns. However, the Shankaracharya and his supporters argued that this was an attempt to suppress their religious freedoms and to undermine the authority of the spiritual leader.
In the context of the Shankaracharya’s ultimatum, it is clear that the issue of cow protection is not just a matter of religious sentiment, but also a highly politicized one. The BJP, which is in power in Uttar Pradesh, has long been associated with Hindu nationalist ideology, and the party’s leaders have often spoken about the need to protect Hindu values and traditions. However, the reality is that the party’s policies on cow protection have been inconsistent, and many Hindus have expressed disappointment and frustration with the lack of progress on this issue.
In conclusion, the Shankaracharya’s ultimatum to CM Yogi Adityanath is a significant development in the ongoing debate over cow protection in India. While the demands may be seen as unrealistic by some, they reflect the deep-seated concerns and sentiments of many Hindus who believe that the protection of the cow is a fundamental aspect of Hindu values. As the state government considers its response to the Shankaracharya’s ultimatum, it is clear that the issue of cow protection will remain a highly contested and emotive one, with significant implications for the politics and culture of Uttar Pradesh.
For more information, visit: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/swami-saraswati-40-day-ultimatum-cm-yogi-adityanath-to-declare-gau-mata-as-rajya-mata-10503411/lite/
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