Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of India’s Uttar Pradesh, has commented on demands that the cow be declared the national animal. “Some people talk of declaring the cow the national animal, but to us the cow is not an animal; it is a mother. Our bond with her goes back lifetimes,” he said.
He made the remarks at an event in Lucknow marking the birth centenary of Ashok Singhal, a former leader of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
His comments come as demands to declare the cow the national animal are being discussed in various circles. He said that in Sanatan tradition the cow is already worshipped as a mother, so no official or formal declaration is needed. Just as a child need not be told separately to recognise or respect its mother, the cow’s status is self-evident, he said.
Drawing a comparison with the Ganges, the chief minister said: “No one taught anyone to know the Ganges as a mother either. These are the fundamental values of our civilisation.” Saying that those who see the cow merely as an animal have an animal-like mindset, he added: “Gau Mata is our national mother. She needs no formal recognition.”
Placing particular emphasis on cow protection, he said devotees should focus on conserving and raising cows, and reiterated that strict action would be taken to stop cow slaughter in Uttar Pradesh.
The remarks have sparked fresh debate in political circles. Critics see them as mixing religious belief with politics, while supporters say Yogi was showing his firm stand on Hindu tradition.
Demands to declare the cow the national animal have been raised before. But the central government has said no such proposal is under its consideration. The tiger is currently recognised as India’s national animal.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report