Shahjahanpur, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati reached Tilhar on Thursday as part of his 81-day Gavistha Go Raksharth Dharmayuddh Yatra (religious campaign for cow protection). He was accorded a grand reception by Congress District President Rajneesh Gupta and his supporters at Avon Marriage Lawn in Tilhar.

The venue witnessed a large gathering of devotees from the morning, with the programme commencing with the ceremonial blowing of conch shells. Rajneesh Gupta welcomed the Shankaracharya by performing Aarti and offering traditional respects.

Addressing the gathering, the Shankaracharya said the primary objective of the nationwide yatra is to secure the status of “Rashtra Mata” (National Mother) for the cow, establish cow shelters in every Assembly constituency, encourage members of the Hindu community to become “cow voters” by prioritizing cow protection as an electoral issue, and assess the condition of cow shelters and slaughterhouses across constituencies. He also appealed for the appointment of five “Go Veers” (cow protection volunteers) in every locality.

Questioning the approach of both the Central and State governments on cow protection, the Shankaracharya said his movement was not aimed at forming or toppling any government but at ensuring dignity and constitutional recognition for the cow. He asserted that demands for a nationwide ban on cow slaughter and recognition of the cow as the National Mother were gaining support across the country.

The Shankaracharya also referred to an alleged incident of mistreatment during the Kumbh Mela, claiming that he had been asked to prove his Hindu identity. He stated that protecting cows should be regarded as the true hallmark of a Hindu and argued that one’s commitment to cow conservation should distinguish genuine followers from others.

The event was attended by members of various communities, including a significant participation from the Muslim community. At the conclusion of the programme, All Ummat Foundation State President Syed Ansari and Ashfaq Ullah Khan, great-grandson of freedom fighter Ashfaqullah Khan, jointly submitted a memorandum to the Shankaracharya. The memorandum opposed cow slaughter in India, stating that the cow holds deep religious significance for the Hindu community and that cow slaughter hurts the sentiments of millions. It also urged the Central and State governments to declare the cow as the National Mother and enact a nationwide law prohibiting cow slaughter.

Representatives of several social organizations and a large number of devotees were present during the programme.

On Friday, Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, accompanied by former MLC Jayesh Prasad, visited the residence of the late Gyan Dev Hindu at Kachcha Katra Mor in Shahjahanpur. He met the bereaved family, enquired about their well-being, and offered his blessings.

During the meeting, the family requested the installation of a statue of Gyan Dev Hindu near Sadar Bazar Police Station. They stated that in 1989, Gyan Dev Hindu had allegedly self-immolated at the site while demanding the release of the Shankaracharya, and that his sacrifice continues to be remembered by members of the Hindu community.

Responding to the request, the Shankaracharya announced an immediate financial contribution of ₹100,000 towards the construction of the statue. He described Gyan Dev Hindu’s sacrifice as inspirational and said his memory should be preserved for future generations. He also assured the family of further assistance, if required, and expressed confidence that the statue would soon be installed as a tribute to his sacrifice.
A large number of devotees, local residents, and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.