Tripura: Shankaracharya calls for stronger cow protection laws

Agartala: "Jagadguru" Shankaracharya Swami Shri Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has issued a clarion call for stricter laws and protocols to protect cows, announcing plans to establish over one lakh cow shelters across India.

The spiritual leader made the announcement during his visit to Agartala on Saturday.

Arriving at Agartala’s MBB Airport via a chartered flight, the Jagadguru visited the Jagannath Temple to offer prayers.

In subsequent remarks to reporters, he emphasized the profound spiritual and cultural significance of cows in Hindu traditions, citing references from the Vedas, Puranas, and Shastras.

"Our deities, such as Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, incarnated to protect Gau Mata (Mother Cow). Throughout history, people have fought valiantly to safeguard cows, especially before India’s independence. Even after 75 years of independence, despite various governments, cow meat continues to be sold, causing immense pain to Hindus," he lamented.

The Jagadguru expressed his intention to undertake a Bharat Yatra (nationwide tour) to raise awareness about cow protection, carrying the Gau Pratistha Dhwaj (Cow Protection Flag) to every state.

"Cows are not merely animals in our tradition. They are revered as divine, and we must take stringent measures against those who harm them. This is why I have come to Agartala and will be visiting other states as well," he added.

He urged the government to implement a robust legal framework for cow protection and announced his initiative to establish 1 lakh Gau Shalas (cow shelters) across India, including in Tripura, as part of his mission to safeguard cows.