Jallikattu, as you know is practiced in Tamil Nadu during Pongal, is a serious cause for concern. In the famous sport, a bull is released into the crowd for people to catch hold of its hump as long as possible. The sport is being followed since decades to preserve culture and tradition of the State. But is it humane to do so? There has been evidence which proves that the game has caused serious injuries, pain and distress to the animals. The sport which is conducted for the entertainment of the crowd at the expense of the animals is a topic of discussion.
We live in a country where slaughtering a cow is considered as a sin and at the same time torturing, a bull is considered as a part of a tradition. Muthuvel Kurabayashi Stalin, the executive leader of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party said that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) an international NGO, should be banned as it is against the culture of Tamil Nadu.
PETA director of Veterinary affairs Manilal Valliyate reacted to the statement given by M.K. Stalin and said, “Article 51A (G) of the Constitution of India makes it the mandate of every Indian citizen to have compassion for animals. To stand for kindness is patriotic, to stand for cruelty is un-Indian.” He further added saying, “PETA India serves animals in respect of our country’s Constitutional mandate, its laws, and its Supreme Court. To target an animal protection NGO which is not the law making body, but rather a law abiding body, is cheap and ineffective as it can have no bearing whatsoever on the central government laws that prohibit cruelty to bulls”.
Do you know that bulls do not run like horses? It is the pain inflicted on them that makes them run for their life! According to the critics, the bulls are fed liquor and have chili powder thrown into their eyes before starting the fight! A game where the men have to make a choice whether to participate in the game as it may cause serious injury. But what about the animals? Do they have a choice?
Many including Actor Kamal Haasan have called Jallikattu a sport and is considered as one of the festivals of India. What is your opinion about the famous “insane” sport?
