Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Maharaj of Badrikashram Jyotirmath, Uttarakhand, who is leading the nation-wide ‘Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra’ held a programme at Gangtok, Sikkim today. The ‘Gau Pratishtha Andola’ seeks to make India free of cow slaughter and commenced on 22nd September 2024.

In his address, he expressed shock over the decision of the Nagaland Cabinet for disallowing him from entering the State and questioned why he cannot go to his countrymen and interact with them. He said that if people of Nagaland can say that they eat cows, why cannot he be allowed to say that he will save cows.

The Shankaracharya also stated that solutions can be found only through discussions and appealed to the chief ministers of all States in the North East not to stop the yatra from entering their states. He asserted that he is not against anyone and that he simple wish to present his case infront of the people and also listen to their issues.

Further, the Maharaj remarked that India runs by majority and so if today or tomorrow, there is an “awakening”, it is obvious that whatever the majority says will have to be accepted by the minority. However, the Shankaracharya emphasised that there is a huge difference between having to follow and finding a solution together.

Furthermore, he affirmed his determination to visit each State in the country including Nagaland. He said he will go in peace and that he will not say anything that may cause law and order problems.

During the programme, the Shankaracharya clarified that the sacred “Gau” which the movement is fighting to save comprises of just 25-30% of the cows found in India. He explained that all cows are not “Gau” and the Holy Cow/Gau can be distinguished from the hump on its back and the dewlap (fold of skin) underneath its jaw and neck. The ‘Gau Pratishtha Andola’ is for saving the “Gau” from slaughter, he added.

Read more: Nagaland Cabinet says no to Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in State