The push to confer upon the cow the esteemed title of ‘Mother of the Nation’ is gaining traction in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Prayagraj, where religious leaders have proposed a symbolic renaming of the cow as ‘Rama.’ According to this proposal, ‘Ra’ symbolizes ‘Rashtra’ (nation), while ‘Ma’ represents ‘Mata’ (mother).
This proposal was among the 21 resolutions passed by the religious leaders during the ‘Gau Sansad’ convened at the Magh Mela camp of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in Prayagraj.
Unanimous in their decision, the religious leaders declared their intention to henceforth refer to cows as ‘Rama.’ Alongside this symbolic gesture, they presented various suggestions, including the establishment of a ‘Rashtriya Rama Gau Bhakt Aayog.’ This body would be tasked with identifying and registering cows through DNA testing and outlining a comprehensive protocol for their welfare, starting from the Hindu New Year.
Furthermore, the ‘Gau Sansad’ advocated for the creation of a separate ‘cow ministry,’ proposing the removal of cows from the state list in the Constitution and their inclusion in the Central list.
They stressed the importance of socially ostracizing beef consumers and urged voters to support candidates committed to cow protection and welfare.
Upon receiving the esteemed title of ‘Mother of the Nation,’ the first action planned by the religious leaders is to take the cow’s milk to Ayodhya and offer it to Ram Lalla.
Additionally, they appealed to the government to reclaim encroached land for grazing purposes, emphasizing the necessity of providing a conducive environment for the well-being of these revered animals.
These multifaceted proposals underscore the religious community’s dedication to elevating the status of cows and promoting their welfare.
The Sacred Status of the Cow in India In India, the cow is revered with sacred significance deeply ingrained in cultural, religious, and historical contexts, particularly within Hinduism. The reverence for cows stems from various religious texts, including the Vedas, where the cow is often associated with Aditi, the mother of all gods. Within Hinduism, the cow symbolizes non-violence, purity, and motherhood, playing a pivotal role in rituals and ceremonies.
The veneration of cows is evidenced by the widespread belief that harming or killing a cow is a sacrilegious act. Many Hindus regard the cow as “Gau Mata” or the mother of the nation. This sacred reverence has led to the enactment of laws in certain Indian states prohibiting cow slaughter and, in some cases, the possession or consumption of beef.
