The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : On jallikattu

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Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

On jallikattu

The Supreme Court’s refusal to vacate the stay on the Madras High Court order allowing jallikattu (bull fight) during the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu is welcome. It should be enforced rather than appealed against. Danger to life and limb, in the name of custom and tradition, cannot be allowed as it militates against the basic tenets of humanity. The Tamil Nadu government’s decision to approach the court for a modification of the order can at best be seen as pandering to the interests of a section of the masses, with an eye on the vote-bank.

D. Balakrishnan,

Coimbatore

* * *

The editorial “End to an insensate sport” (Jan. 14) should create awareness among the disgruntled elements on the danger to the lives of people witnessing the senseless sport.

In fact, it is difficult to understand what kind of pleasure the organisers and participants derive from a sport that subjects animals to horrifying forms of cruelty. The people should accept the verdict instead of standing on false prestige in the name of tradition.

S. Maniam,

Chennai

* * *

Congratulations on a very powerful and appropriate editorial supporting the ban on jallikattu. It is a primitive sport and cannot be continued in the name of tradition. We have legislated against and given up so many traditions — sati, child marriage, dowry and so on. Jallikattu involves untold cruelties. Unfortunately, it is controlled by a gambling mafia which stands to lose a lot of money, hence the clamour to continue it.

It is unfortunate that the Tamil Nadu government is wasting taxpayers’ money on fighting for the continuance of jallikattu.

Nanditha Krishna,

Chennai

* * *

In the name of nurturing tradition, some outmoded hazardous practices are sought to be retained. A party that swears by rationalism and progress should enforce the court order, besides banning animal sacrifice in temples.

V. Kameswaran,

Chennai

* * *

Interestingly but understandably, jallikattu has brought together all the political parties in Tamil Nadu. There has never been an instance of bringing about social reform without stiff resistance. The sentiments of the tradition-bound people of Tamil Nadu should be sympathetically viewed and their outburst of anger allowed to run its course. When the emotions subside, people will see reason.

S.P. Asokan,

Cuddalore

* * *

India is perhaps the only country that likes to disown and condemn its traditions at the drop of a hat. The Spanish bullfight is acceptable as it is a white man’s game and jallikattu is barbaric because it is not. And boxing, which can maim people for life, is being suggested as an alternative sport. Will all the animal lovers opposing jallikattu take a pledge that they will become vegetarian for the rest of their lives?

M.N. Balachandra,

Bangalore

* * *

True, jallikattu does involve some cruelty to bulls. But it has been on for years and loved and enjoyed not only by Indians but also foreign tourists.

The Supreme Court, instead of banning the sport, could have imposed stringent conditions for its safe conduct. I am sure the government will put forth its arguments in a positive manner and get the ban lifted to make Pongal a happy occasion for the villagers.

T.S. Sarangarajan,

Chennai

* * *

Those who have seen the way animals are killed for meat have raised their voices against it several times. But are there any laws or court verdicts banning it? Why don’t animal welfare activists campaign against the inhuman killings for human consumption? Jallikattu is an absolutely insipid affair. Those who want to participate in it and get killed or want to sacrifice the animal can never be stopped by law or logic. In fact, the debate will only help those organising jallikattu, not the animal.

G. Swaminathan,

Chennai

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