Letter from Jyotirmath Shankaracharya sparks discussion on trust, faith, and shared cultural values amid polarised cow politics
NEW DELHI — In a rare moment of convergence across religious lines, Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has written to Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari, commending him for his balanced and respectful remarks on the dignity and protection of the cow.
The letter has attracted attention in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, particularly at a time when Muslim leaders are frequently questioned or targeted on issues related to the cow. In a departure from prevailing political narratives, the Shankaracharya chose to place trust in a Muslim parliamentarian rather than leaders who often claim exclusive ownership of Hindu causes.
According to sources familiar with the letter, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand praised Ansari for addressing the subject with sensitivity and restraint. He reportedly appreciated the MP’s assertion that the cow represents a shared cultural heritage and should not be used to spread hatred or fear, especially against Indian Muslims.
Reacting to the letter, Afzal Ansari said he was pleased by the gesture, describing it as a reminder that honesty and reason still have space in public discourse. “People have filled minds with a wrong idea about Muslims and the cow. This letter shows that faith does not mean hostility,” he said.
The Ghazipur MP said he has raised the issue on multiple platforms and intends to do so in Parliament when the appropriate opportunity arises. “Any discussion must be based on facts, not rumours,” he added.
Rejecting allegations that Muslims seek to hurt Hindu religious sentiments, Ansari said, “There has never been any intention among Muslims in this country to harm Hindu beliefs, and there never will be.”
Sharing a personal memory, he recalled how deeply the cow was woven into everyday life while growing up. “When I had a cold as a child, my mother would apply old cow ghee on my chest and give heat. It was considered the best remedy,” he said, adding that cow ghee is widely regarded as beneficial and revered “like nectar.”
Ansari also addressed a common accusation levelled against Muslims. “A false idea has been spread that Muslims are desperate to eat cow meat. This is not true,” he said. “Anyone who believes this has not understood the teachings of our Prophet (PBUH).”
He further welcomed the Shankaracharya’s long-standing efforts toward cow protection. “When Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand took initiatives for cow welfare, I felt encouraged. I support his campaign and praise it openly,” Ansari said.
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand has consistently spoken on cow protection, demanding that the cow be declared Rashtramata and calling for a nationwide ban on cow slaughter. He has led initiatives such as the Gau Pratishtha Yatra and travels extensively to advocate respect for the cow.
According to a report in Hindustan, the Shankaracharya has also urged political parties to clearly state their position on cow protection and has appealed to voters to support candidates committed to the animal’s welfare.
For many Indian Muslims, the exchange between the Shankaracharya and Afzal Ansari holds deeper significance. It challenges the narrative that Muslims are opposed to Hindu beliefs and underscores that voices of dialogue and mutual respect continue to exist, even amid growing polarisation.
