RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Advocates Public Awareness to End Cow Slaughter in India
In a significant address, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat asserted that fostering public awareness and societal devotion to cows could effectively bring an end to cow slaughter in India. He made these remarks while speaking at the 452nd birth anniversary celebrations of Malook Das ji Maharaj at Malook Peeth in Vrindavan, Mathura, on Tuesday.
Drawing Parallels to the Ram Temple Movement
Bhagwat drew a powerful analogy to the decades-long struggle for the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, suggesting that a similar fervor could be mobilized for the cause of cow protection. "If public sentiment exists, the system has to accept it," he stated, referencing the landmark Supreme Court judgment that paved the way for the temple's construction.
He elaborated, "The Ram temple did not come up between 2014 and 2019. It came after 2019. Why? The Supreme Court, which used to say that it had other very important matters, gave a unanimous judgment." Bhagwat attributed this decision to the overwhelming "feelings" across the nation and expressed hope that "the same feeling should be visible for the cows."
Practical Steps and Societal Transformation
Addressing the practical challenges, Bhagwat acknowledged the constraints of keeping cows in urban areas and proposed supporting 'gaushalas' (cow shelters) as a viable alternative. "Make society devoted to cows, and cow slaughter will stop immediately. We have to make the public aware; the rest will follow," he emphasized.
In response to Mahant Rajendra Das Maharaj's call for a complete ban on cow slaughter, Bhagwat reiterated that transforming society into devotees of the cow would naturally halt the practice. "Empower... This would be a courageous step. Cow products will be taken to every single person. The Sangh will work in this direction," he added, outlining the RSS's commitment to this cause.
Broader Vision for India and Global Leadership
Beyond the immediate issue, Bhagwat articulated a broader vision for India's role on the world stage. He expressed confidence that "India, taking inspiration from its saints and its spiritual values, will provide a new direction to the world." Addressing the unrest in West Asia, he declared that the time has come for "India to emerge as a 'Vishwa Guru' and to make a new, happy, and beautiful world."
He stressed the importance of enlightenment and harmony, noting, "There cannot be any religion without truth and compassion. Everyone should live together in harmony. Compassion enters one's life when the suffering of others feels like one's own suffering."
Historical Context and Spiritual Legacy
Bhagwat also highlighted the enduring legacy of Saint Maluk Das, whose teachings have been preserved for 452 years at Maluk Peeth. He urged everyone to draw lessons on the philosophy of life from this example, emphasizing the need to observe not only the words of saints but also the underlying sentiments.
The event underscored a confluence of spiritual values and contemporary social issues, with Bhagwat positioning cow protection as integral to India's cultural and moral fabric, much like the Ram Temple movement that culminated in a 'bhoomi pujan' in August 2020 and a 'pran pratishtha' ceremony in January 2024.
