Should cow be made national animal?

Policy decisions must be made in a way that respects the sentiments of the broader population in the country. Declaring the "cow" as a national animal is not appropriate in the current circumstances.

S Jyothi, school principal Nizamabad

problems of the natives, instead of debating on whether the cow should be a national animal. By giving my opinion on this subject, I don't want to add on to this narrative as that would place this issue on a high stand.

Vipanchika Shastri, MA in Political Science, JNU

Cow cannot be the national animal of India as it symbolises the discourse of BJP government. There is ample evidence in history that even Brahmins consumed cow meat.

Vineeth Srivastava, PhD scholar, University of Hyderabad

Cow as a national animal in the place of a Tiger looks like a good idea but is not advisable. A national animal should be indigenous to a specific nation and elite to the country's identity.

KJ David, artist, Kothagudem

It is high time that the Cow is announced as India's national animal on the lines of Nepal which declared Cow as its national animal and banned cow slaughter in the country. Cow since the Vedic times has been an integral part of India's heritage, culture and tradition.

M Vinay Kumar, resident of Khammam

Cow is a sacred animal. It's better to have Cows as our National Animal instead of Tigers. India taught the world tolerance, non-violence and universal acceptance. In our country, we believe that the cow is representative of divine and natural beneficence.

Mamidala Ramchander, Self-employed, Kazipet

The gau mata (cow) symbolises a life of nonviolent generosity. We consider the Cow as a holy animal that cannot be harmed. Even if we make Cows as our National Animal, it should not be seen as a controversial topic.

BV Rajagopal, Teacher, Hanamkonda

There are certain respectful feelings towards Cows in our country. All the products of a cow are environment-friendly and the cow dung contributes a lot in increasing the fertility of the soil.

Mahesh, a social activist of Jagtial district

Central government's move to replace our National Animal symbol Tiger with Cow is completely uncalled for. The 'Tiger' symbolises the internal strengths of various communities living together with tranquility and brotherhood.

Mittu, Businessman and Social Organisation representative from Jadcherla, Mahabubnagar

Rajasthan High Court Judge recommended cow to be declared as a national animal instead of Tiger because Cow is lord Krishna's pet animal and it gives us milk which is consumed by 80 per cent of Indians.

Jadhan Ashok, a teacher in Adilabad mandal

In 1979 Royal Bengal Tiger was declared as the Indian National Animal because of its beauty, power and Royalty. The tigers are limited to tiger reserves and zoo parks. Now, the time has come to change the National Animal from Tiger to Cow.

Lakkakula Thukaram, Advocate, Nirmal district

Tiger is useful only to entertain tourists in tiger reserves, forests and zoo parks. In many incidents, Tigers have attacked even small kids and recently, it has killed two tribals in Asifabad district. So, I want to say that Cow should be declared as our national animal.

-A Naveen Kumar, an employee of Adilabad

Tiger is a powerful animal and symbolises India and the Indians appropriately. National animal of any country should represent what that country is, Tiger gives a very majestic message to the world.

Krishna Kumar, Swimming coach

Cow occupies an important place in the Hindu religion and Hindus offer poojas to it on auspicious days and events. Spiritually also it plays an important role. Because of various reasons, Cow should be given National Animal status.

K Rama Krishnaiah, farmer from Rajamahendravaram

As per the epic and shastras, Cow has always played a pivotal role in the Hindu religion and also in the devotional events. Cow is a multi-purpose animal and its urine is used as a medicine and its dung is used to kill bacteria outside houses and it deserves the National Animal status.

M Sastry, Religious Preacher

Hindus treat Cow as God and perform poojas to it on every Friday and on other important days. On Griha Pravesh, Cow is taken into the new house with a belief that it is Goddess Lakshmi Devi. The government should give the National Animal status to Cow.

B Rajya Lakshmi, a homemaker