Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has demanded that the cow be declared the "National Mother," and cow slaughter be made a punishable crime. He also called for the reservation of the Kumbh Mela exclusively for Hindus, and announced plans for a grand yagna during the event. The Hindu saint also appointed representatives to oversee cow protection in each state and called on Hindus to uphold their faith and the significance of cow protection.
Cow Protection and Hindu Nationalism in India
The recent demand by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati to declare the cow as the "National Mother" and make cow slaughter a punishable crime has sparked a debate on the role of religion and nationalism in Indian society.
Origins of Cow Protection
Cow protection has long been an integral part of Hinduism, with the cow considered a sacred animal associated with the Earth Mother and the goddess Kamadhenu. The Rigveda, an ancient Hindu text, refers to the cow as "Aditi, the mother of the gods."
British Colonialism and Cow Protection
During the British colonial period, cow protection became a rallying point for Hindu nationalists. Cow slaughter was prohibited in several princely states, and the Indian National Congress incorporated cow protection into its platform.
Post-Independence India
After India's independence in 1947, cow protection continued to be a contentious issue. The Indian constitution prohibits the slaughter of milch and draught cattle, but several states have passed laws banning cow slaughter altogether.
Rise of Hindu Nationalism
In recent years, cow protection has become a key plank of Hindu nationalist ideology. Organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have campaigned for stricter laws against cow slaughter and the promotion of cow-based products.
Current Developments
Saraswati's demand for a National Cow Protection Law and the reservation of the Kumbh Mela for Hindus are part of a broader effort by Hindu nationalists to reclaim India's Hindu heritage. These demands have been met with both support and opposition, reflecting the complex relationship between religion, nationalism, and secularism in Indian society.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is cow protection important to Hindus? Cow protection is part of Hindu religious beliefs and is associated with the Earth Mother and the goddess Kamadhenu.
2. What is the current law on cow slaughter in India? The Indian constitution prohibits the slaughter of milch and draught cattle, but several states have passed laws banning cow slaughter altogether.
3. What is the role of the RSS in cow protection? The RSS is a Hindu nationalist organization that has campaigned for stricter laws against cow slaughter and the promotion of cow-based products.
4. What is the Kumbh Mela and why is it important? The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage that occurs every 12 years. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
5. What is the significance of Saraswati's recent demands? Saraswati's demands reflect the growing influence of Hindu nationalism in India and the attempt to reclaim India's Hindu heritage.
The passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the age of 92 due to age-related health issues has left the nation in mourning. Singh, who was admitted to AIIMS Delhi on Thursday evening, is being remembered for his economic revolution and progressive changes during his tenure. Political figures, including Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra, have expressed their condolences for Singh's family and praised his service to the country. This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.
The streets of Patna, Bihar have been filled with chaos and tension as aspiring candidates for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) staged protests and attempted to gherao the BPSC office. With allegations of irregularities in the BPSC exams, the aspirants are demanding the cancellation and re-examination of the exam. The situation escalated when the protesting students were met with force by the police, leading to a standoff between the two groups.
A viral post claims that Udhayanidhi Stalin mocked Hinduism and proclaimed himself as a proud Christian. However, our investigation revealed that the video was edited to misrepresent Stalin's remarks. In his full speech, Stalin also identified as a Muslim and a Hindu, promoting religious equality and unity. Reports and the original footage of the speech further prove that the viral video was misleading.
A delegation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including prominent Ministers and MLAs, visited the Khanauri border to meet Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike for farmers' rights. Concerned about his deteriorating health, they urged him to seek medical treatment. The party also criticized the Central government for failing to fulfill its promises to the farmers and offered their support in the ongoing struggle.
Aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) have been protesting for eight days now, demanding a re-examination of the 70th BPSC exam. Independent MP Pappu Yadav has joined the protest and appealed to opposition MPs and MLAs to show their support. YouTuber and educator Faisal Khan, known as Khan Sir, has also joined the protest and urged the BPSC to consider the plight of the students. The BPSC aspirants have previously met Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal and have also protested against changes in the exam pattern and the normalisation process.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu wished Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the global Jewish community a happy Hanukkah, a festival that celebrates hope and freedom. In his message posted on X in English and Hebrew, PM Modi expressed his hope that the radiance of Hanukkah would bring peace, strength, and hope to everyone's lives. President Murmu also extended her warmest greetings to Israel President Isaac Herzog on this auspicious occasion.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has accused the BJP of planning to declare Parvesh Verma as its chief ministerial face for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections. This comes amid a heated political battle between AAP and BJP, with Kejriwal claiming that the BJP is upset with the successful schemes launched by his party and is resorting to distributing money to sway voters. The authenticity of these claims has been debated, with Kejriwal challenging Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj to resign if these accusations are found to be false.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Madhya Pradesh to extend his greetings to CM Mohan Yadav on the completion of one year in office. Dhami, along with Yadav, inaugurated the renovated Lakha Banjara Lake and laid the foundation stone for various public welfare projects in the Bundelkhand region. Dhami praised the progress of the region under Yadav's leadership and also mentioned the upcoming visit of PM Narendra Modi to lay the foundation of the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project.
Government leaders from across the country came together in Delhi at a special ceremony to pay their respects to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary. CM Chandrababu Naidu praised Vajpayee's leadership and his significant contributions to India's development, stating that his vision and ideas will always be remembered. Vajpayee, who passed away in 2018, was known for his leadership and important role in shaping India's future.
On the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the late political leader for his remarkable contributions to India's progress and transformation. PM Modi highlighted Vajpayee's achievements, including the Golden Quadrilateral project, nuclear tests, and his dedication to strengthening democracy and the Constitution. He also recalled the challenges India faced before Vajpayee took office in 1998, emphasizing the significant impact of his leadership on the country.