National animal: Should cow replace tiger?

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. Aganist this backdrop, The Hans India spoke to a cross section of people on the subject.

There is no second opinion on importance of cow in human lives. It is a sacred animal causing no harm to any being. It is a national live treasure. Unfortunately, some sections of population are driving cows to slaughterhouses hurting the Hindu sentiment. Hence, declaring cow as National Animal is only way to save the cows from these people.

P Rajya Lakshmi, Retd bank officer, SG Colony, Chittoor

I sincerely demand that cow be declared National Animal. Milk, ghee urine and, dung of cow are highly useful to human beings fulfilling their food needs even medicinal requirements. It is ack bone for the small and marginal farmers.

S Gangadhar, Sravanthi Marriage Bureau, P.H.Road, Chittoor

Cow has high status as per Hindu religious philosophy since time immemorial due to its sacredness in all aspects like its milk, urine, etc., Slaughtering and selling of cow is rampant in our country which is threatening the very existence of the cattle. In these circumstances, cow needs more statutory protection and declaring it as national animal is the best solution.

Ch Lakshunnaidu, farmer, Ponduru

If the Central government declared cow as National Animal, the opposition parties may protest it. There a is need to protect cows. Hindus worship the animal which is used on many occasions including housewarming ceremony because it is considered holy. Many states in the country brought laws against cows slaughter.

B Ajya Kanth, private employee, Ponnur town

There is need to declare cow as a National Animal. Hindus worship the cows and perform pujas to Gomata. There is a demand for cow milk, cow ghee and cow dung in the market. Some people treat cow urine as a medicine. Earlier, houses were cleaned with cow dung because it is believed to have anti-bacterial properties. TTD, Isckon and many temples started Gosalas to protect cows. Taking significance of cow into consideration, it should be declared as National Animal.

V Sridevi, homemaker, Guntur city

Cow is an important domestic animal for all as everyone needs its milk and its sub-products. Its dung and urine are also found to have medicinal values. As per Hindu dharma cow is a symbol of sacredness and is compared with mother. It is symbol of wealth and health in any house. To protect the cow, it should be given national animal status in our country also.

Aguru Umamaheswara Rao, senior advocate, Srikakulam

Cutting across caste divisions, mainly Hindus worships cow which has an important place in our epics and also in spiritual sphere. Many people in the country will eat beef and if cow gets National Animal status, the government should stop killing of cows otherwise it would be a crime. Cow definitely deserves National Animal status.

Muppalla Subba Rao, AP Bar Association executive member, Rajamahendravaram

Doubtless cow is a holy animal for Hindus but farmers are not seeking National Animal status to it. It is purely political demand for gaining a political mileage in elections. The Central government may not consider this demand at present.

V Syam Vara Prasad, retired employee, Guntur

Nothing wrong according National Animal status to cow which occupies high place in Hindu dharma. For every auspicious event, the presence of cow is must. It is treated as Goddess Lakshmi Devi. Cow deserves National Animal status.

Dr P V B Sanjeeva Rao, lecturer SKVT College, Rajamahendravaram