Animal Welfare Board Withdraws Appeal To Celebrate 'Cow Hug Day' On February 14

On February 6, 2023, the AWBI, a division of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, had issued the appeal.

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The government rescinded its call for February 14 to be observed as "Cow Hug Day" on Friday. An order to this effect was released on Friday by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), news agency PTI reported.

On February 6, 2023, the AWBI, a division of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, had issued the appeal.

“As directed by the Competent Authority and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying the appeal issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India for celebration of Cow Hug Day on 14th February, 2023 stands withdrawn,” the AWBI order stated.

Animal Welfare Board of India withdraws appeal to celebrate February 14 as 'Cow Hug Day'

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 10, 2023

Taking a dig at the center, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted: "Who moo-ted the idea in the first place?"

Who moo-ted the idea in the first place? https://t.co/QSFeLk79bO

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 10, 2023

According to sources, the appeal was made in accordance with the Minister of Animal Husbandry's instructions, Indian Express reported. The petition was signed by Dr Sujit Kumar Dutta, secretary of the board. “We all know that the cow is the backbone of Indian culture and rural economy, sustains our life, represents cattle wealth and biodiversity. It is known as ‘kamdhenu’ and ‘gaumata’ because of its nourishing nature like a mother, the giver of all providing [sic] riches to humanity," reads the official appeal.

“Vedic traditions are almost on the verge of extinction due to the progress of west [sic] culture over time. The dazzle of western civilization has made our physical culture and heritage almost forgotten,” it said.

“In view of the immense benefits of the cow, hugging [the] cow will bring emotional richness hence will increase our individual and collective happiness. Therefore, all the cow lovers may also celebrate February 14 as Cow Hug Day, keeping in mind the importance of the mother cow and making life happy and full of positive energy. This [was] issued with the approval of competent authority and on the direction of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying,” the appeal further read.

(With Inputs From Agencies)