The support for the traditional game of Jallikattu (bull-taming) in Tamil Nadu, India is gaining ground with each passing day.
Before going into a detailed report on Jallikattu, we must understand that the bulls that are participating in Jallikattu are part and parcel of the cattle meant for the major agrarian activities in the farming community. So naturally, these people are taking utmost care while breeding the bulls. To be frank and honest, breeding such agrarian animals involves a lot of practical things. These bulls, for example should be strong enough physically to make the breeding happen – for which the bulls are in need of physical activity that can be attained only through sports or games. In this context, the Jallikattu event should have come in handy for the bulls to have the perfect physique. And I do have my personal experience and aspect to rely on in such agrarian activities in my native areas of Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, India.
The so-called animal-lovers must understand all these things. Furthermore, there are strong rules (that I have read carefully now) to be followed in Jallikattu. For instance, the animal can only be held by the hump, holding it by the neck or the horn or twisting the bull’s tail will lead to disqualification. Above all: safety is key.
The protests against the ban on Jallikattu at the Marina Beach in Chennai have helped shed light not only on the cultural conundrum that has been created but also on the rich tradition that has long been buried underneath because of politics and systematic failure.
The speech of the Jallikattu protesters (braving all odds and difficulties) on TV is heart-rending.
With the advent and the help of technology like mobile phones and the internet, these protesters have created history by demonstrating the huge and prolonged protests in a peaceful and amazing manner.
Right now all the authorities must come to the rescue of Jallikattu protesters and they should also assure that the sentiments and demands of the protesters must be protected once and for all.
SENTHIL SARAVANA DURAI
Mumbai
