The uproar and controversies over the traditional game of jallikattu [bull-taming] in Tamil Nadu in India are unfortunate and could have been avoided.
To be frank and honest, this deep-rooted ‘taming sport’ has long been instrumental in matters of refreshing the mind and body of the participants and the viewers [most of them are the farmers and hard-working people].
In the name of putting in place the rules and regulations, controlling the ‘jallikattu event’ and dampening the spirits of the people who celebrate the festivals like Pongal cannot be justified.
First of all, the rules are for the people, by the people and of the people. Keeping in mind the things like the sentiments of the people, the judiciary and the executive in India should take urgent steps to allow the jallikattu event to go on – with some stringent safety measures to be followed.
SENTHIL SARAVANA DURAI
Mumbai