'Before having a Hindu nation, we have to make ourselves Hindu'- Shankaracharya

Gau Raksha Statement: Jagadguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who arrived in Karnal, Haryana, made a big statement on the issue of cow protection. Targeting political parties, he said that leaders make big claims about the protection of cows, but the reality is something else. He said that there are many pictures of leaders feeding, worshipping and loving cows, but when it comes to figures, these claims prove to be hollow. According to him, 80 thousand cows are being slaughtered every day, while there is a big difference between the words and actions of political parties.

Question to political parties on the issue of cow slaughter

Jagadguru Shankaracharya said that all political parties were asked questions on the issue of cow slaughter in the Kumbh Mela and they were given time to clarify their stand on this. Now, on March 17, by 5:00 pm at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, he will wait for the answer of all political parties. He said that political parties will have to clarify whether they are in favour of cow slaughter or against it, or else by remaining silent they will indicate that what has been happening for the last 78 years will continue. If till this day a clear answer is not received from the political parties, then he will go to the door of every party and ask their intentions.

"If cow slaughter continues even after becoming a Hindu nation..."

Talking about Hindutva, Shankaracharya said that Hindus will first have to consider themselves Hindus and oppose cow slaughter. He said that a Hindu is a cow protector and he cannot see cows being killed. If cow slaughter is happening in the country, it means that Hindus are weak. He said that a Hindu nation is being demanded, but if cow slaughter continues even after becoming a Hindu nation, then there will be no benefit from it, so he appealed to the Hindus that first they will have to become aware and make efforts to stop cow slaughter completely.

Taking a jibe at Baba from IIT

On being asked about Baba coming from IIT background, Shankaracharya took a jibe and said that any Baba should tell about his efforts for the welfare of society and religion. He said that channels can get TRP by just talking, but what will be the benefit of this to the general public? He said that whether someone has studied from IIT or from any other profession, he will have to clarify what work he has done for religion and society.

Also gave a statement on Bageshwar Dham government

On being asked about building a cancer hospital by Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham, Shankaracharya said that this is a good thing. He said that at least Baba is accepting that diseases are not cured by miracles and blowing, but there is a need to open a hospital for this. He called it a positive initiative and said that such efforts can prove beneficial for the society.