Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has announced plans to launch a website called “Go-LX” aimed at preventing cow slaughter by creating a platform where people can sell cows directly to cow protectors instead of traders linked to slaughterhouses.
In a video statement released on Thursday, the Shankaracharya said the platform would function like an online marketplace for cattle, similar to OLX, where cattle owners and traders can list cows for sale.
“We are building a website. We will buy cows through this website. If a cattle rearer or businessman wants to sell his cow, then advertise on the website,” he said.
He added that Hindus wanting to sell cows should offer them through the platform instead of selling them to people involved in slaughter.
“If any Hindu wants to sell his cow then sell it to me. We are ready to buy. We will not allow cows to be slaughtered and will not allow cow slaughterers to buy cows,” he said.
‘Go-LX’ Aims to Stop Cows From Reaching Slaughterhouses
According to the Shankaracharya, the primary objective of the platform is to ensure cows do not end up in slaughterhouses under any circumstances.
He said cow devotees and people committed to cow protection would purchase animals listed on the website and care for them.
“The purpose of ‘Go-LX’ is to prevent a cow from going to the slaughterhouse under any circumstances. Cow servants and cow devotees will be able to buy cows for protection and service,” he said.
He claimed the platform was created after requests from members of the Hindu community who wanted an alternative system to protect cattle.
“We have created this website only on the request of Hindus. We will buy whatever cow is sold and serve them,” he added.
Shankaracharya Rejects Claims of Economic Loss for Cattle Rearers
The religious leader also responded to arguments circulating on social media and in parts of the media that restricting beef consumption or Muslim buyers could financially hurt Hindu cattle rearers.
“At present a narrative is being spread on social media and some news media that if Muslims stop buying cows or stop consuming beef, then Hindu cattle herders will be in financial crisis. This idea is misleading,” he said.
He argued that no “true Hindu” would knowingly sell a cow for slaughter.
“If a person has real Hindutva, he will never hand over a cow to a butcher,” he said.
Welcomes Muslims Supporting Cow Slaughter Ban
The Shankaracharya also said some Muslims in India had expressed support for restrictions on cow slaughter and acknowledged that eating beef is not considered a compulsory religious duty in Islam.
“Many people of the Muslim community have also come forward in support of a cow slaughter ban. They have admitted that eating beef is not a mandatory religious duty in Islam. We welcome such people,” he said.
He further claimed that ending cow slaughter and beef consumption would improve social harmony.
“If cow slaughter and beef eating stop in the country, it will strengthen social harmony and mutual understanding,” he added.
Hindu Organisations Back Campaign
The Shankaracharya said several Hindu organisations and cow protection groups from across the country had offered support for the initiative.
He described cow protection as more than a religious matter, calling it “a symbol of Indian culture, compassion and eternal life values.”
The announcement comes amid renewed political and social debates over cow slaughter, cattle trade and ritual animal sacrifice in different states ahead of Eid al-Adha (Bakrid).
