MUMBAI: Former Beatles member Paul McCartney has  requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to declare 12 January a meat-free day in India.

McCartney wants to commemorate the founding anniversary of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)on 12 January as he is an active member of the animal welfare organisation.

In a letter to Singh, McCartney said such a declaration would save countless animals and will be a celebration of life. He has requested Singh to declare every 12 January as a meat-free day  or vegetarian day, to celebrate vegetarianism and compassion towards animals.