Don't call to anyone a 'shudra': Akhilesh Yadav's exchange with 'Pookie baba' is viral

A roadside encounter between Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and spiritual leader Aniruddhacharya Maharaj has gone viral, igniting a fresh debate over caste-based terminology. The exchange, captured on camera, saw Yadav directly challenge the spiritual leader's continued use of the term 'shudra', advocating for a more inclusive approach by citing the example of Lord Krishna's childhood.

The incident occurred when Yadav posed a pointed question to Aniruddhacharya: "Krishna ko Maa ne pehli baar kya bola that? (What did Krishna's mother call him the first time?)" Aniruddhacharya responded, "God has many names. Kanhaiya bola tha (She called him Kanhaiya)." To this, Yadav replied, "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')."

The word "shudra" is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "servant" or "labourer" and is mostly used as a derogatory term to refer to people of the lowest caste who often face discrimination and exploitation.

The brief interaction between the two leaders quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing significant attention.

Aniruddhacharya, also known online as "Pookie baba," later addressed the incident during one of his sermons, though without directly naming Yadav, NDTV reported. He recounted his version of the conversation, subtly criticising Yadav's approach. "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," he remarked.