NEED FOR RE LOOK AT JALLIKATTU

In Tamil Nadu ,in recent years, many decisions have been taken under the pressure of mass protest and demonstrations , when roads would be blocked, fasts would be undertaken and occasionally even self immolation would happen. In such surcharged scenario, logical decisions based on careful consideration of pros and cons have been given a go by.

It appears that a view is gaining ground that any project can be blocked and stopped by holding public demonstrations and protest meetings and in the same way , any project can be promoted and forced to happen in Tamil Nadu.

After massive demonstrations in support of jallikattu, which culminated in Marina beach in Chennai and which received huge focus in the print and visual media , Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu simply bowed to the public pressure and hurriedly amended the law to allow Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bought peace with the demonstrators.

Now, jallikattu is organized throughout the year in one part of the state or the other. Visual and print media give huge publicity and the protaganists of jallikattu claim that the Tamil pride is being exhibited in the jallikattu event, though many people may find it difficult to understand how jallikattu can symbolize Tamil pride , after seeing so many injuries and deaths in jallikattu events in the last one year or so.

On 14th April ( Tamil New Year Day) , a youth was killed when he tried to take control of the bull that exited the arena at a jallikattu event held at Poolampadi in Perambalur district in Tamil Nadu.

About 25 others were injured in jallikattu held at three places in Perambalur -Ariyalur districts , when around 453 bulls were allowed to take the arena with 275 bull tamers participating in the events.

Also, 21 persons , most of whom spectators were injured during jallikattu event at Vilapallam and Keezha Pazhur in Perambalur district. Number of them have been admitted to hospitals as in patients.

Ever since jallikattu was allowed in Tamil Nadu after the mass demonstration , several injuries and deaths have taken place for those participating in the events and spectators. Of course, there is no information about the injuries that happened to the bulls in these events, as media seem to be of the view that death and injury for human being is important news and not injury to an animal.

The main argument advanced against jallikattu was that it is a violent sport and therefore , not in tune with the progressive civilization. Further, animals are forced to take part in such events inspite of the sufferings that happen to them just to meet the “sport pleasure” of the people.

Now, number of deaths and injuries to participants and spectators in jallikattu events show that the suffering is not to the animals alone but also to human beings.

Of course, world wide , thousands and thousands of fish, chicks and animals are slaughtered every day for human consumption. While doing so, no one bothers to think about the plight of fish, chick and animals. In the same way,the jallikattu enthusiasts may take the view that bulls suffering due to jallikattu need not be a matter of concern.

But, can we feel the same way when human beings too lose their lives or get injured in the name of jallikattu sport.

After having organized so many jallikattu events, the time has come to have a re look at the jallikattu sport in Tamil Nadu.

N.S.Venkataraman
Nandini Voice for The Deprived
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