JALLIKATTU - an age old tradition and culture.

The unprecedented revolutionary protests of students and youngsters going on since three days in different parts of Tamil Nadu demanding the removal of ban on Jallikattu have given pleasant surprise to the people everywhere in India and abroad particularly in Tamil Nadu. Protests are being held even abroad to extend support to Jallikattu. There is a strong feeling among the people that their sentiments are not respected in the matter of Jallikattu. They also demand a ban on the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) which was instrumental in bringing the ban on Jallikattu. It is a controversial American animal rights organisation founded in 1980.

Many of the protesters have blamed both the Tamil Nadu and Central governments for the present tension. The meeting of the honourable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr. O. Panneerselvam with the honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has not been successful in this regard. The Prime Minister has said he appreciated the cultural significance of Jallikattu for the people of Tamil Nadu, but indicated that the Centre was unable to promulgate an ordinance. 

The protesters say that they will continue their protests till their demand is met and Jallikattu is allowed by removing the ban by an ordinance. They hold the governments at the Centre and in the Tamil Nadu state responsible for the present state of affairs in Tamil Nadu. 

The present revolution has created an awakening among the youngsters. They have proved that they are not just fun loving people but also matured ones capable of going to the rescue of the people and safeguarding their tradition and culture.  Though lakhs of people are protesting  in Tamil Nadu no untoward incident has taken place. Undoubtedly it shows their discipline and maturity which is appreciated by all.

There is an urgent need for a permanent solution. All including legal luminaries feel that the honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi can solve the problem. It is also necessary that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr. Panneerselvam should talk to him again and make a strong representation in favour of Jallikattu explaining  what is going on in Tamil Nadu and see to it that the ban on Jallikattu is removed.

One feels that the present awakening among the youngsters is a historic one, never witnessed before. It is the strength of our democracy.

                                                                                          V. M. Khaleelur Rahman