Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On jallikattu

The Madras High Court's stay on an order directing the Tamil Nadu Government to prevent cruelty to animals in the form of jallikattu (bull taming), rekla or bullock cart race, and other rural sports comes as a surprise. Though jallikattu is associated with religious sentiments (it is held during Pongal, festival of harvest), it takes a toll of human lives. The animals that participate in the sport are ill-treated. Does it make sense to continue such a dangerous sport?

V.R. Ravikumar,
Chennai

* * *

The cruelty aspect aside, jallikattu is not a spectator sport with well-defined rules, and inbuilt safety measures. Every year, many participants and bystanders are injured and killed. When the odds are well known, why should people indulge in this cruel sport?

K. Venkataraman,
Mumbai

* * *

Jallikattu has been part of the harvest festival for centuries in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. It has been a source of adventure, excitement, and fun for rural dwellers, a highlight in their lives, and an occasion for people to come together. All of a sudden, why has the issue of cruelty to animals cropped up? If jallikattu is cruelty, so is putting a dog in a kennel or a bird in a cage. Enhancing security should no doubt be considered, but not banning the sport.

Eshwar Prasad Sitaraman,
Toronto, Ontario

* * *

Jallikattu is a sport that tests bravery and it depicts our culture. It is a traditional rural sport and should stay.

V. Srinivasan,
Hosur

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