Varanasi, January 29: A fierce backlash has erupted against the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new guidelines, with prominent Hindu seer Jyotishpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati branding them a dire threat to Sanatan Dharma. In a strongly worded statement, the spiritual leader accused the rules of fostering division among Hindu castes, pitting one community against another in a manner reminiscent of a ‘fight and die’ machine.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand explained that the traditional caste system in Hinduism was never designed for conflict but to ensure every individual’s livelihood and societal stability in ancient times. ‘These guidelines have now armed one caste against another, guaranteeing clashes and enmity,’ he asserted. He warned that such policies could dismantle the unity of the Hindu society from within, urging immediate revocation to safeguard the faith’s foundational principles.
The Shankaracharya emphasized the need for collective resistance, pointing out that while upper castes are protesting on the streets, other communities must join in. ‘Dividing Hindus into factions is unacceptable; this battle concerns every follower of Sanatan Dharma,’ he declared. He critiqued the Supreme Court’s limited role in merely checking constitutional validity, stressing that parliamentary laws, as affirmed by Home Minister Amit Shah, must be obeyed—but flawed ones challenged.
In a related development, the seer addressed the recent plane crash involving Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s aircraft, calling for a thorough investigation to dispel conspiracy theories. ‘Any doubts must be confronted through a probe committee to deliver justice and clarity,’ he advised, highlighting the importance of transparency amid public speculation.
As protests gain momentum, the controversy underscores deeper tensions over affirmative action policies and their impact on social harmony. Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s call to action resonates widely, signaling a potential showdown between tradition and modern regulatory frameworks.