National animal: Should cow replace tiger?

Cow is a sacred animal for Hindus for ages. India's neighbour Nepal declared cow as a national animal. This has also led to an intense debate in the country on whether the Indian government should also follow suit. The Hans India spoke to a cross section of people on the issue. A majority backed making cow the national animal. They said whether it is a house-warming ceremony or initiating a new venture, ushering in a cow is considered a good omen and a sign of lucky charm. However, a few said what benefit does a common man derive by enacting a legislation making cow the national animal. They pointed out there are more pressing problems like unemployment than this.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a leader committed to protect the religious interests of Hindus. Declaring cow National Animal would be the right decision. The only task ahead of the PM is to convince all political parties to support the move to bring a law. Arriving at consensus in the regard would be a challenging task. At this juncture, he can follow the example of abolishing Article 370 to unshackle Kashmir. I am confident that the Prime Minister would certainly win the task of ensuring National Animal status for cow.

K Ravindra Reddy, principal , Govt ITI, Chittoor.

In view of the importance of cow in our spiritual and real life, it is about time the government take a decision to make it the National Animal. The government should immediately ban cow slaughter before giving National Animal status to it.

Bommali Srinivasa Rao, advocate, Rajamahendravaram

Majority of Hindus worship cow from ancient days. The presence of cow is must in all auspicious and spiritual events and also in the final rites. Moreover, cow is multi-purpose animal, including medically. The importance of cow was described in our epics and sastras. Cow deserves National Animal status and also according the status will help in stopping cow slaughter.

T V Srimnnarayana Charyulu, chief priest, Govinda Kshetram, Rajamahendravaram

Cow is a symbol of peace and prosperity and psychosocial impact of naming cow as National Animal will show our integrity and desire for peace and commitment to human values. In our mythology, cow is described as sacred animal. There is an immediate need to accord National Animal status to it.

Sunkara Nagendra Kishore, sportsman and community psychologist, Rajamahendravaram

I do support the idea of declaring cow as National Animal because cow is holy animal and cattle are also very important to the economy of the country. People can get multiple benefits with increasing cow population as it will be useful to the dairy industry, leather industry and provides livelihood to many people, particularly the rural people. Cow is very important to the Hindus for many centuries and it is worshipped across the country. I welcome if the government declares cow as National Animal.

Puppala Srinivas, advocate, Vijayawada.

Right now the National Animal status for cow is not an important issue. The government has to sort out other major issues like unemployment, prices in the country. Declaring cow as National Animal is acceptable but at the same time the BJP government should maintain communal harmony among all religions.

K Srikar, B Tech student, Tirupati

There is a need to declare cow as National Animal and protect cow breeds because it is an inalienable part of our religious practices and culture. Every product of the cow, including its urine and dung are used for one or other ritual or for medicinal purposes. Cow ghee is used for performing yagas and homams. People of some faiths and political parties may oppose it, but the Centre should go ahead.

Autkuri Anjaneyulu, senior citizen, Guntur city

Cow has a significant place in Hindu religion and I welcome the idea of declaring it as National Animal. It is age old tradition to worshipping cow. I think people across India will support the idea of giving National Animal status to it. Cow milk, urine and dung are also useful. Dung can be used in cultivation as manure.

K Narasimha Rao, employee, Vijayawada.

The governments should take steps to stop slaughtering of cows because it is a holy animal for Hindus. Several temples had set up gosalas to protect them. What is wrong if the Central government declares cow as National Animal?

K Srinivasa Rao, social worker, Guntur city