Asiatic lion to roar for prohibition in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: You don't need a drink to feel like a king. And, bringing you this message, is none other than the 'jungle ka raja'. The Asiatic

lion

is the new mascot of the

Gujarat

prohibition and excise department.

The department has chosen a mascot for the first time since it came into existence. "Hoon daru peeto nathi chhata hoon raja chhu. Nashabandhi aapna dwara, aapna maate (Though, I do not drink, I am still the king of the jungle. Prohibition of liquor by us, for all)," goes the phrase with the symbol.

A senior officer of the prohibition department said they selected the mascot after discussing it with the newly chosen ministers. "If a person does not drink, s/he can show confidence like a lion. If s/he is caught drunk, then cops will roar like a lion in front of the accused," said another senior officer.

The officer added that Gujarat is known for the

Asiatic

lion, so it was the obvious choice as a mascot.

"There are many animals in the state, but the lion is part of Gujarat's identity. The state is known basically for two things: one for the Asiatic lions and the other for 'darubandhi' (prohibition). So, it is very apt to make the Asiatic lion our mascot," said the officer.