AWBI\'s withdrawal of ‘Cow Hug Day’ sparks row

HYDERABAD: The Animal Welfare Body of India’s withdrawal of its call for the celebration of "Cow Hug Day" on February 14 — Valentine's Day — has outraged cow protection and welfare organisations in the city. The Yuga Thulasi Foundation, a charitable organisation involved in the welfare and protection of cows, denounced the AWBI for abandoning its plan to observe February 14 as ‘Cow Hug Day,’ claiming that such events would foster a strong sense of empathy for the animal, which the Hindu community holds in the highest regard. After widespread criticism on social media and from political parties, the AWBI had rescinded its call for celebrating Valentine's Day as "Cow Hug Day." The AWBI said that the cow has a nurturing nature while calling for Cow Hug Day to be celebrated on the Valentine’s Day, which was backed by Union minister Parshottam Rupala.