New Delhi, 10th February 2023: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) on Friday withdrew its appeal to celebrate Cow Hug Day on 14th February 14, news agency PTI reported. After the board’s appeal to celebrate Cow Hug Day, many arguments were going on in favour and opposition to this decision. Following the continuing controversy over the matter, the ministry has decided to withdraw its appeal. Earlier, the Animal Welfare Board of India had urged to celebrate ‘Cow Hug Day’ on 14th February to promote the Vedic tradition.

“As per the direction of the competent authority and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the appeal by the Animal Welfare Board of India to celebrate Cow Hug Day on 14th February 2023, is withdrawn,” board secretary SK Datta said in a statement.

The board had said on this matter that the glare of western civilization has almost forgotten the culture and heritage. However, this decision has been supported by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh. Supporting this, he said 14th February should be celebrated as ‘Cow Hug Day’ across the country. During this, he said that everyone should love the cow.

While addressing a press conference, the Union Minister said that the decision of ‘Cow Hug Day’ on 14th February is very good. “Cows should be hugged. I welcome the decision of Purushottam Rupala ji’s ministry. We all should love and hug the cow,” he said.

Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjana Jyoti has also welcomed this decision saying that 33 crore gods and goddesses reside in the cow. He further said, “Cow is considered our mother, and we should embrace her.”