The team of Jan Ki Baat covers the Jallikattu protests in Tamilnadu, bearing a witness to the widespread support Jallikattu has been receiving, from the local residents and celebrities alike. The Tamil Nadu government has drafted a notice, identifying Jallikattu as a traditional sport of the state. The Supreme Court of India, too, has stayed its order to ban Jallikattu on the Central governments request. A star-studded protest, Jallikattu found supporters in Rajnikanth, Kamal Hasan, Trisha and several other celebrities, who lent their voice to the demands of the people, hoping this years Pongal celebrations would include Jallikattu in its original form.
Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport, has been under attack by several animal rights activists who disapprove of the sport because of the manner in which it exploits animals, bulls specifically, for human entertainment. This warped idea of spectacle has always been a subject of concern for animal rights groups, who finally took the matter to the Supreme Court. Upon looking the statistical evidence, the SC banned the sport in 2014 under the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals Act. This ban was seen as a threat to cultural identity and festivals, resulting in mass protests across the city.
The preservation of cultural heritage and traditional practices has been an important aspect of Indian conscience. The tension that arises when cultures continue archaic practices is something that the Jallikattu debate encapsulates. The matter is currently under review.
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