The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has issued a warning to the Meghalaya Government, threatening to organize a “beef-eating festival” if permission is granted for a rally or the ‘Gau Dhwaj’ programme led by Jagatguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj. The proposed Gau Dhwaj, which seeks to declare cows as the “Mother of the Nation” and impose a ban on cow slaughter, has sparked controversy.
On Thursday, HYC members, led by President Roy Kupar Synrem, protested outside the Shillong Press Club, holding placards in opposition to the rally. The protest occurred ahead of a scheduled press conference by Brahmachari Mukundanand, a representative of Swami Avimukteshwarananda, which ultimately did not take place due to the absence of the organizers. Security was heavy around the venue in anticipation of the event.
Speaking to reporters, Synrem clarified that the HYC’s intention was not to disrupt the press conference but to engage with the organizers about the rally’s controversial objectives. “Our message to the government is clear: if you allow this rally, we will organize a counter-event on the same day, with a celebration of cow-eating or a beef-eating festival on the streets of Shillong,” Synrem declared, issuing a warning to the state government against permitting Swami Avimukteshwarananda’s Gau Dhwaj program in Shillong.
Synrem emphasized the potential for such a rally to create disharmony among the state’s various communities and religions, which have coexisted peacefully for generations. “We don’t want outsiders to come and sow seeds of hatred in Meghalaya, especially in Shillong. We have always celebrated different festivals together, without division along religious lines,” he added.
He further cautioned those planning the rally, saying, “We warn them: don’t come to Meghalaya with this message. Take it to other states where you can preach about not eating cows or worshipping them as mothers or sisters. But not here in Meghalaya.”
Meanwhile, a group, led by Jyotish Peethadheeshwar Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda, plans to host a ‘Gau Dhwaj’ event in Shillong on October 2, aiming to declare the cow as the “Mother of the Nation.” Shankaracharya Ji is expected to arrive in Shillong on October 1 and will preside over the installation of the Gau Dhwaj and deliver an address at the Gau Mahasabha.
“Shankaracharya Ji is scheduled to arrive in Shillong, Meghalaya on the evening of 1st October. On 2nd October, he will preside over the installation of the Gau Dhwaj and deliver an address at the Gau Mahasabha. Afterward, he will continue the journey toward West Bengal,” the organisation said in a press statement.
“The goal of this Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra is to awaken cow devotees nationwide, unite them for a common cause – restoring the dignity and honor of the sacred cow, and conferring upon her the status of ‘Rashtra Mata’; and the motto is “Gau Mata, Rashtra Mata – Rashtra Mata, Bharat Mata ,” the statement added.
A press conference to announce the event was canceled following the protest by HYC. In a statement, Yogiraj Shailendra, a representative of the Hindu group, claimed that they were unable to hold the press conference as they had not received written permission from the Shillong Press Club. The Press Club, however, stated that the group informed them late, and there was confusion about the timing of the event.
Despite the controversy, Shankaracharya Ji is still expected to proceed with his engagements in Shillong before traveling to West Bengal.