which should be the national animal - Tiger or Cow ?

The union government didn't make any proposal to make Cow the national animal and I don't think it will dare it. It is just the idea of a few people and we need not take it as a serious issue. But if the cow is really made the national animal, I feel that the voice of non-Hindus must be fading away.

- Thota Naga Jyothi, private employee, Ongole

Tiger was adopted as National animal in 1972, India is a Hindu populous country and cow being a sacred animal can be protected and can be conserved with local laws whereas a tiger needs institutional and world renowned technical support to be conserved.

NVS Revanth, Student, Agricultural BSc, Khammam 

Cow, a harmless domestic animal should be the national animal in the place of a ferocious tiger. Politically speaking, it is symbolically correct as India is a peace loving country and throughout history it never attacked any other country. In view of the above, a cow has major stake to claim to be the 'national animal'.

Goverdhan Ceremilla, Retired Asst Professor, Hanamkonda

The issue to declare Cow as the national animal in place of the Bengal tiger will differentiate the public for one more time. But, what difference will it make in a common man life if the national animal is the tiger or a cow or even a buffalo?

N Rajesh, private employee, Ongole 

Constitution talks about equality of all religions. Our country is secular in character but some political parties are violating the basic tenets of the constitution. We are not against the ban on cow slaughter or supporting cow as a national animal.

K JABEZ DAVID, Social Worker, Anantapur 

I support cow slaughtering ban. I had been worshipping cow as a God from my childhood but more than cow slaughter ban it is the atrocities on women that should be totally banned and prevented.

A SHALINI DORA, Singanamala, Anantapur 

The government should distribute cows to every household free of cost and promote cow products on a massive scale as the law useful to anyone. The law does not help the poor in any way nor does the nation need such laws. This is purely a religious gimmick.

S JIVARATNAM, Malollapalli, Narpala Mandal, Anantapur 

Cow is a symbol of sacredness and the people in the country worship. It's nothing but respecting our customs and traditions. I hope people of other religions accept cow as national animal without triggering any controversy.

Sridhar, Self-employed, Hanamkonda

Cow is a divine animal and worshiped by everyone in auspicious days and functions. I support cow as our national animal. But, the Central government should ban cow slaughter after declaring cow as national animal.

Dr Gubbala Rambabu, Social Activist

 As a educated person, I support the law passed by Karnataka on banning cow slaughtering. Prohibition of cow slaughtering is not at all enough for obtaining benefit to cow or the Hindu religion. Only politicians are interested to implement new religious policies acts & laws.

Gaffoor Chandana, Advocate, Anantapur

A cow is an icon of unconditional generosity. However, the nation till date did not get progressed as a tiger national animal, and represents strength. I strongly support cow becoming our national animal. This idea will be flower shied and fruitful when constructive steps are layer towards "gosamrakshana", abolishing cow kills, implementation of proper plan towards "management of cow based products".

Srikar Sripada, B.Tech student, Khammam 

Cow is a multipurpose animal. Its dung is used to kill bacteria, urine as medicine and milk is a nutritious food. Without cow, no auspicious programme will be conducted. Cow deserves to be our national animal.

K Venkat Reddy, Hotel Owner

Cow is a spiritual animal. Even in the last rites of a man the cow will be donated to get moksha. I support cow becoming our national animal and on banning cow slaughter.

K Subba Rao, Businessman