• Source:JND
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Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party president, has taken spiritual leader Aniruddhacharya Maharaj to task for repeatedly using the term 'Shudra'. In a roadside conversation captured on camera, Yadav directly confronted the spiritual leader over his repeated use of the term 'Shudra', urging a more inclusive perspective and referencing Lord Krishna's childhood to support his stance.

The incident unfolded when Yadav posed a pointed question to Aniruddhacharya and said, "Krishna ko Maa ne pehli baar kya bola tha?" ("What did Krishna's mother call him the first time?") 

Aniruddhacharya replied, "God has many names. Kanhaiya bola tha." ("She called him Kanhaiya.")

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To this, Akhilesh Yadav responded, "Okay, this is where our path and yours diverge. Ab se fir shudra mat bolna." ("From now on, don't refer to anyone a Shudra.")

What Does “Shudra” Mean?

The term "Shudra" originates from Sanskrit, meaning "servant" or "labourer," and is often used in a derogatory sense to describe individuals from the lowest caste, who frequently endure discrimination and exploitation.

The brief exchange between Yadav and Aniruddhacharya swiftly went viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion and public interest.

Aniruddhacharya Maharaj, popularly known online as "Pookie Baba", later addressed the incident in a sermon. While refraining from naming Akhilesh Yadav directly, he shared his version of the conversation, "The person who asks the question already memorises the answer they want to hear. God has countless names that no one can fully enumerate. But nowadays, even if someone knows a little, they begin to think of themselves as all-knowing."

Recounting the encounter, the spiritual leader said, "I once met a politician who asked me, 'What is God's name?' I told him, 'God has infinite names.' Just like when a child is born, people ask whether it's a boy (Lala) or a girl (Lali). Similarly, Kanhaiya's first name was Lala. But in written form, it was Krishna. Even before being called Krishna, people referred to him as Lala, or they used other names in their respective languages."

"He said that wasn't a name and concluded that 'your path is different from mine.' That politician had once served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; in other words, he had been a king. A king should treat his people like his own children. The king is the father; the citizens are his children. So imagine - a former CM told me, 'Your path and my path are different,' just because I didn't give the answer he had in mind. I simply spoke the truth. If you refuse to accept what is written, then no one can win an argument with you," Aniruddhacharya further said.

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The public exchange between the prominent political leader and the spiritual figure has reignited debates around caste identity, traditional terminology, and the changing landscape of social discourse in India.