The Hindu seers have demanded that the government grant the cow the title of 'Mother of the Nation' before the upcoming Maha Kumbh in 2025.
During the 'Gau Sansad' convened at the Magh Mela camp under the guidance of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Uttarakhand’s Jyotish Peeth, 21 proposals were passed, including the symbolic renaming of cows as 'Rama'.
This rechristening, with 'Ra' symbolizing 'Rashtra' (nation) and 'Ma' representing 'Mata' (mother.)
The sants, in their unanimous decision, have emphasized the need for widespread adoption of this terminology to signify the cultural and spiritual significance of cows in India. They have also called for the establishment of a 'Rashtriya Rama Gau Bhakt Aayog', dedicated to cow welfare, which will undertake DNA testing to identify and register all cows in the country.
Moreover, the sants have urged the government to create a separate 'cow ministry', advocating for the removal of cows from the state list of the Constitution and their inclusion in the Central list.
They have proposed stringent measures against beef consumption and have called upon voters to prioritize candidates who pledge to safeguard and honour the cow.
However, the sants have warned of potential agitation if their demands are not met, signalling the seriousness with which they regard the protection and respect for cows in India.
This development comes amidst ongoing festivities at the 54-day Magh Mela, which commenced with the auspicious Makar Sankranti bathing on January 15 and will culminate with the Maha Shivaratri bathing on March 8.
As discussions surrounding cow welfare and reverence gain momentum, all eyes are now on the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister to address these demands and potentially elevate the status of the cow as the 'Mother of the Nation'.