Seer Launches 81-Day Cow Protection Campaign in Uttar Pradesh, Calls for 'Rashtra Mata' Status
In a significant move for cow welfare, seer Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati announced on Wednesday an 81-day statewide campaign in Uttar Pradesh, demanding a nationwide ban on cow slaughter and the conferment of 'rashtra mata' (national mother) status on cows. The campaign, set to begin on May 3, aims to mobilize support for cow protection across the state.
Kavishti Yatra: A Vedic Struggle for Cow Protection
The campaign, titled 'Kavishti Yatra', a Vedic term denoting a struggle undertaken for the protection of cows, will commence from Gorakhpur on May 3 and conclude there on July 23. Over the course of 81 days, participants will travel through numerous villages across Uttar Pradesh, spreading awareness about the importance of cow protection and advocating for stronger legal measures.
Addressing a gathering in Lucknow, Swami Avimukteshwaranand emphasized that the yatra is designed to educate people on cow welfare and galvanize public opinion in favor of stricter protections. The event, officially named 'Gau Pratishtha Dhwaj Sthapana, Dharm Yudh Shankhnaad Sabha', was conducted with permission from local authorities, albeit subject to 26 conditions. The seer had previously criticized several of these conditions as "impractical", highlighting logistical challenges in organizing such large-scale initiatives.
Political Undertones and Shifting Support
During his address, Swami Avimukteshwaranand touched upon political aspects, questioning attendees about their affiliations. He noted that media reports had suggested support from opposition parties like the Congress and the Samajwadi Party for his campaign. However, he claimed that when he inquired directly at the gathering, most participants expressed support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"This shows how quickly support is shifting and how fast people are moving away," the seer remarked, before clarifying that the gathering was not intended for political discussion. He stressed that the primary focus remains on cow protection, urging unity across party lines for this cause.
Impact on Government Actions and Budget Allocations
Swami Avimukteshwaranand also highlighted the influence of ongoing cow protection efforts on government policies. He pointed out that the Uttar Pradesh government had recently allocated its largest budget for cow welfare in nine years, a move he attributed to pressure from campaigns like his. This allocation, he argued, demonstrates the growing momentum and public demand for enhanced cow protection measures in the state.
The seer's announcement comes at a time when cow protection remains a contentious issue in Indian politics, with various groups advocating for stricter laws and national recognition. The 81-day yatra is expected to draw significant attention and participation, potentially shaping future discourse and policy decisions related to cow welfare in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
