1. Swami Avimukteshwaranand was denied entry into Arunachal Pradesh at Donyi Polo Airport for his “Gau Dhwaj Yatra.”
2. In a video statement, he expressed frustration and reaffirmed his commitment to cow protection.
3. He urged for open dialogue with the people of Arunachal Pradesh to foster mutual understanding.
Itanagar, Sep 27: Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj expressed his frustration after being denied entry into Arunachal Pradesh at Donyi Polo Airport for his “Gau Dhwaj Yatra.”
In a video statement, the spiritual leader emphasized his dedication to cow protection and called for dialogue with the people of the state.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand stated, “If I enter Arunachal, what will you do? Will you kill me? I am ready to die to protect the cow, our mother.” He added that arresting him would tarnish the reputation of Arunachal Pradesh, a state he considers crucial to India’s rise. “I don’t want Arunachal to have a bad name,” he remarked.
The Swami invited local students and citizens for an open discussion, saying, “Come meet me, talk to me, I will come again if you say so.” He stressed that communication could bridge differences, affirming, “I am not your enemy.”
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The denial followed protests by the Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (APSU) opposing Swami’s visit, which sought to raise awareness about cow protection and highlight the harm of cow slaughter.
Upon arrival, police informed him that his presence might provoke unrest. He questioned why, as an Indian citizen, he was being barred from entering the state, insisting he had never spoken against its people.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand criticized the students for protesting due to dietary preferences, noting, “I am being stopped because I see the cow as a mother, while some protestors see it as food.” He urged students to focus on education rather than opposing his message.
He recounted receiving a letter warning that his visit could lead to protests and damage at the airport. “This is illegal; students should not act this way,” he said.
Despite the tensions, the Swami emphasized the importance of unity between India and Arunachal Pradesh, calling for peaceful dialogue. “India’s strength is Arunachal Pradesh, and Arunachal’s strength is India. Let’s talk and find solutions together,” he urged.
However, he expressed disappointment that student leaders did not step forward to facilitate discussions. “Where are the leaders? I’m here, ready to talk, but no one is available,” he noted.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand remains committed to promoting cow conservation and fostering mutual understanding with Arunachal’s youth.
“I have come with a small flag that reads ‘Gaumata Rashtramata.’ To make India one, we must communicate,” he concluded, leaving the door open for future conversations.
