As people prepare to celebrate Valentine's Day, the Animal Welfare Board of India has issued a bizarre circular. The board has urged people to observe February 14 as 'Cow Hug Day'.
Highlighting the benefits of keeping a cow and pointing out how it forms the backbone of the country's rural economy, the board in its statement issued on Monday, February 6 said, "We all know that the Cow is the backbone of Indian culture and rural economy, sustains our life, represent cattle wealth and biodiversity. It is known as ‘Kamdhenu’ and ‘Gaumata’ because of its nourishing nature like mother, the giver of all providing riches to humanity."
The statement by the Animal Welfare Board held the western culture responsible for the Vedic traditions getting extinct and therefore urged people to hug cows to bring emotional richness and to increase individual and collective happiness.
“Vedic traditions are almost on the verge of extinction due to the progress of west culture over time. The dazzle of western civilization has made our physical culture and heritage almost forgotten," read the statement.
"All the cow lovers may also celebrate February 14 as Cow Hug Day keeping in mind the importance of mother cow and making life happy and full of positive energy," the notice by the Animal Welfare Board stated further.
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February 14 is celebrated as Valentines' Day across the world. Rightwing extremist groups have been campaigning against it stating such celebrations are not a part of the 'Indian culture'.
Meanwhile, restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed in Uttar Pradesh's Noida and Greater Noida regions from February 4 to February 28 in view of Valentine's Day and Shiv Ratri.