Peacock Honored with National Cremation at Banaras Hindu University

A peacock was cremated with national honors at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi after being injured in a dog attack. The incident occurred in the garden of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel hostel on the BHU campus. Despite efforts by Dr. Narendra Pratap Singh, the bird could not be saved.

The cremation ceremony took place in the Tulsi garden of the hostel at 11 am on Sunday. It was attended by Dr. Dhirendra Rai, the administrative guardian of the hostel and professor of the journalism department, Dr. Shailendra Singh, professor of the Pali department, forest department officials, and all the resident students of the hostel.

Students at the ceremony expressed that the presence of peacocks enhances the beauty of the campus and fosters human sensitivity towards animals and birds. Dr. Dhirendra emphasized the importance of conserving national symbols like the peacock and cited the animal conservation campaign run by the university’s founder, Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya, from 1929 to 1941. He also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s love for peacocks.

Dr. Dhirendra highlighted the responsibility of universities in shaping the youth and fostering respect for national resources. He noted that more than 35 cases of illegal hunting of peacocks have been registered in the last ten years, indicating a growing threat to the bird’s existence.