Before I go
into the historical revolution and ever seen frame of protest by our youth of Tamil Nadu against the ban on our traditional sport Jallikattu, I want to
condemn the police for executing batons on the youth gathered on the Marina
beach, where the main protest was going through (peacefully) for 6 days (from Jan
17-22). The protest first began at Alanganallur, the town famous for the
valiant sport, has inspired the youth of Tamil Nadu to form a protest
arbitrarily to save the Jallikattu which directly supports the native breed
bulls. The protest began with hundreds of people crossed millions at the end of
the day, across the state. At Marina beach (the 2nd longest beach in world)
alone more than 1.5 million had gathered for the protest, which had no head to
lead but the small small groups gathered at the beach were all connected
through social media.
The most
amazing and ever seen about the protest was it was conducted in a very stocky
and self-disciplined state, where no one affected in anyways… although there
was some, which were adjust by the public because of the intention of the
protest. Individuals perhaps have different opinions on conduction the sport,
but the overall spirit of Tamil people was supposed to support the Jallikattu
as it was a cultural identity of Tamils and when the youth of Tamil Nadu come
to the street to protest there was none left to prevent but rather came forward
(as families) to support the cause. Even though I haven’t participated in the
protest physically, my mind was quite around and I intensely supported the
revolution and kept sharing things related to protest and expressing my thoughts
via Facebook while continue watching the
news channels for update.
The protest
conducted on the footstep of Gandhi (Non-violence) went such peaceful with
dignity, trust and courage. And also his
dream and belief of independence had come true though the protest where women
and young girls staying overnight without any hesitation or fear about the
opposite gender who protected them like their own sisters. It is one of the
greatest strength of the protest where the world looks after with awe. The
protest has projected the determination of Tamil people and will power of youth
and moreover the exhibition of lifestyle and the behaviour pattern of the youth
and the culture of Tamils make feel pride. It seems there isn’t a youth
revolution happened like this in post-independence India (perhaps with Hindi
protest), where an entire state comes together to standstill to protect their
cultural identity and interest.
The protest for
jallikattu had touched beyond the core cause of conducting the sport! The
unison inspired by the protest has set hope that we have the will to face
anything that’s against the people. It couldn’t be enough how many times we put
salute to the youth who achieved what they want (by non-violence) putting
pressure on the state government to take immediate steps, and thus CM met PM
and an emergency law is implemented to conduct the sport against the ban of
Supreme court and there’s a hope the law will make the sport constant. Though
the sport is already regulated by the Supreme Court in year 2007, which brought
down anything displeasure related with the sport, the newly implemented law is
expect to add sternness. Until the Monday evening, when the former chief
justice reveals the real facts about the law, there’s an uncertain condition
prevailed everywhere whether to let down or not the protest.
It’s obvious that
only strong and active bulls can breed native cows which means of healthiness
or restoring health in many ways. We do
hope the protest emphasis the vital of bulls and make aware the importance of
preserving them among the public. Did we saved the Jallikattu or not, we
disclosed a behaviour that’s impossible to bring out unless it was inbuilt
through the rich culture alike Tamil. Though we united as India, any part of
the country hasn’t seen such a confrontation and comfort facing the supreme
power and creating a protective environment for the women in protest. No one
from the political or film industry is allowed into the protest; rather those come
alone on their own interest, is indeed setback to those who believed that only
they could manage certain things, people taught them that it is we they are
depend.
I am certain
the history will never forget this occasion, though the protest has been a grand
victory and was supposed to end peacefully was disturbed by the wrong attitude
of the police. I don’t want go deep into the issue that made me feel bad and
sad. But what happened could never bring down what was created by the youth. I think
I don’t need to say more but the video below will show you the real starts… the
mobile torch protest by youth during the dusk makes feel heaven on earth, where
the technology and traditional inherent overshined! Hats off!
spirit of togtherness winning a cause...
ReplyDeletehopefully people stand together for more and more national causes
The police should not have behaved so badly. Who sent the police is the question mark here. Anyway, history has already been made.
ReplyDeleteLot os political things behind this protest. We know only the tip of iceberg...
ReplyDeletePeaceful is the key word here. You're right Jeevan. It was very peaceful and there should've been no use of batons, it was unnecessary. Amazing how social media has changed the world.
ReplyDeleteThe reaction in your country against central government 'over-reach' is very similar to the reaction in many parts of our country to our federal government. I'm sorry about the police violence that marred a very successful peaceful protest.
ReplyDeleteWhat the students achieved is incredible - wouldn't have been possible a few months back.. I hope people come forward to push other social and political causes as well.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
The part about peaceful and self-disciplined protest is surprising to me. It is unheard of in here in north India. But the needless and excess police action is nothing new.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to celebrate Jallikattu well in the coming years.
well written Jeevan. So many questions unanswered on the ugly last day of protest though...
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see the youth standing up to hold the tradition.
ReplyDelete