Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On Jallikattu

The editorial "Death in the name of sport" (Jan. 31) has rightly pointed to the controversies surrounding Jallikattu. It is a shame to portray the present form of Jallikattu, where bulls are tortured and scant respect is shown to human lives, as an international sporting event from rural India. What we see is a mad and wild run of intoxicated bulls into a frenzied crowd. The irony is this poor form of bullfight is being promoted as a tourist attraction in many parts of Tamil Nadu.

Nicholas Francis,
Madurai, T.N.

* * *

Bull-taming, once considered a daredevil act of valour, has become a brand for promoting tourism. Jallikattu is a part of Mattu Pongal, a day of thanksgiving to cows and bulls. Ironically, the matadors injure the bulls with blades and pen-knives.

This gory sport could turn into a disastrous dance if steps are not taken to ensure the safety of the bull tamers and spectators. The venue is often very narrow and casualties are more because of overcrowding and drunkenness of participants.

T. Marx,
Karaikkal, Pondicherry

* * *

Jallikattu is an age-old custom and a mode of deriving entertainment in the most barbaric way. Along with the bull, human lives are put to threat. Animal activists have failed to get the sport banned. In modern times, such rituals make no sense especially when they lead to loss of precious lives.

Prabha Muthukrishnan,
Bangalore

* * *

The purpose of celebrating Mattu Pongal is to thank the cattle, which form an indispensable part of village life and farming. They are elevated to the status of god on that day. That people can ruthlessly harm their gods in the name of bravery is appalling. There are plenty of ways to exhibit courage. Why pick on the poor bulls? The advocates of Jallikattu cite the Spanish bullfight to continue the practice. How can one barbaric sport justify another?

B.R. Iniyavan,
Chennai

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On Jallikattu

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