Should cow be declared national animal?

Cow is a sacred animal for Hindus for ages. India's neighbour Nepal declared cow as National Animal. An intense debate has been going on in our country too on the need for according such status to the cow. Many States in the north India brought stringent laws against cow slaughter and now Karnataka too joined them. In this backdrop, The Hans India spoke to a cross section of people on the subject.

In our country, the majority of people worship cow as Goddess Lakshmi. Yajurveda mentioned that cow is the only animal which has unlimited beneficial qualities, incomparable virtues, and mythological significance. Milk, ghee, curd, and even dung from the sacred animal has medicinal values. Cow products are anti-microbial and rich in nutritional values. Vedas say having a cow gives us a lot of satisfaction with positive vibes around people. Slaughtering a cow is inhuman, and this step is essential.

- Akumalla Sahiti, software professional, Nellore

The Union government should have declared cow as national animal long time ago. If the BJP takes the decision, opposition parties may create disturbances because of vote bank politics. But protecting the cow population is the responsibility of every human being, especially of the Hindus. TTD is also promoting the idea of protecting the cow population taking up a massive programme of donating cows to the temples. The cow is a sacred animal as per Vedas and declaring it as the national animal of the subcontinent is totally appropriate.

- SV Mallikarjunam, Retired Bank Manager, Nellore

We consider cow as a mother, hence we call her Gomatha. For ages, the animal has been respected by Hindus and unfortunately, cow slaughtering is reducing the population. We feed even small kids with cow milk which gives nutrition and medicinal supplements. Small farmers also getting their livelihood rearing cows, and some others are using its urine and dung for organic farming. Killing and consuming cow meat is inexcusable. At last, if it is declared the national animal, there should be some protection for them.

- Ch Kotireddy, farmer, Nellore

The Centre which has taken many bold decisions in protecting the beliefs and traditions of people should consider declaring the cow as the national animal. The cow is not an animal to Hindus, a living Goddess whose products such as milk, and ghee are sacred and have medicinal values. Cow urine is being used as medicine in cancer care in Ayurveda and still, the animal is being considered as a food source for other religions. Declaring it as the national animal is the need-of-the-hour decision. Only then India becomes true subcontinent with rich Vedic traditions and ancient culture.

- Suvanam Srinivasulu, Retired Govt official, Nellore

There is an absolute need to declare cow as a national animal. While followers of other faiths drive them to slaughterhouse inhumanly, the national animal status will be a permanent solution for protecting them. At least all Hindus with one voice should demand this. I strongly hope that Prime minister Narendra Modi would certainly accord National Animal status to the cow.

- M Pulla Rao, manager, honey process centre, Chittoor

Farmers are not seeking to make the cow as a national animal. Such things will never help them to come out of their woes. It was purely a political demand which should not be taken into consideration in the present circumstances. Cow is no doubt a sacred animal and everyone should worship it. But it does not mean that it has to be made a national animal.

- Mangati Gopal Reddy, State president, Federation of Farmers Association of AP, Tirupati

Cow has a sacred place in Hindu sanatana dharma. It is as important as our own mother. Even in mythology cow was given prominence indicating that everyone should worship it along with God. It is time now to make it a national animal which is nothing but respecting the sacred animal.

- K Giribabu, private business, Tirupati

Cow is a symbol of love and innocence and making it a national animal is a great respect for our culture. The Indian mythologies have regarded cows as a testimony of respect and worship. In the development of the country and humanity as well the role of the cow is unimaginable. It is the living god which everyone worships. There is every need to declare it as a national animal.

- P Sambaiah, private college lecturer, Tirupati

Yes, making cow as national animal would go a long way in protecting the animal from slaughter. We can also increase the cattle in the country. In fact, cow is a holy animal for most of the people in India. So the government should recognise the importance of the animal and make it as national animal. We have number of desi breeds but most of them are endangered. If it is made a national animal, it would protect them.

- P Balaji, private school administrator, Vizianagaram

Making cow national animal would threaten its position as a key player in agriculture. So the animal should be given more priority as a contributor to agriculture. Declaring cow as national animal may not be accepted by some other section of people in India.

- B Babjee, President, PVG Raju Kalavedika, Vizianagaram

Cow has occupied an important place in Hindu dharma and Hindus perform pujas to it on auspicious days and events. In spiritual matters too it is playing pivotal role and even as part of final rites of a human being, cow is donated to find peace in the other world. Because of various features, cow should be given national animal status.

- K Rama Krishnaiah, farmer, Rajamahendravaram

As per epics and sastras cow plays a pivotal role in Hindu dharma and also in devotional events. It is as multi-purpose animal and its urine is used as a medicine and dung is used to kill bacteria before houses. It deserves the national animal status.

- M Sastry, religious preacher, Rajamahendravaram

Hindus treat cow as divine and perform pujas to it on every Friday and on other important days. In housewarming ceremonies, cow is be taken into new house with a belief that it is Goddesss Lakshmi Devi. Cow milk, dung, urine, etc., have a place in Hinduism and the government should make it the national animal.

- B Rajya Lakshmi, housewife, Rajamahendravaram