The Jallikattu protests in Tamil Nadu can be likened to a revolutionary uprising of the people. Hundreds of thousands of people have stood up in defense of this ages old sport for over a week. The Marina at Chennai, the VOC at Coimbatore and at many places in the state were flooded with people who stood up for the traditional Indian bulls.
It was heartening to note the level of awareness among the youth with regard to the breeds of native cows in our country and the real need to preserve them with the aid of our ancient heritage. The protests were defining and in certain cases,names of people who could have possibly worked for a ban on Jallikattu were discussed and in some cases condemned.
The space on the social media was occupied by the protests and Dr. Nanditha Krishna of the CPR Foundation from Chennai was accused of having worked for a ban on Jallikattu. Hence it becomes essential to understand the view of Dr. Nanditha Krishna, essentially because democracy involves decision making after an inquiry and dialogue.
It is important to be aware that Dr. Nanditha Krishna is an eminent Indologist, historian, environmentalist and a writer based at Chennai. She happens to be one of the Director of CPR Foundation and has pioneered in the documentation of ecological traditions in India.
Recipient of several prestigious national and international awards, here's what Dr. Nanditha shares with Rajesh Govindarajulu from Coimbatore in connection with the accusations raised on her and her Industrialist husband Chinnikrishna with regard to the ban on Jallikattu.
Here's the chat:
Rajesh: Dr. Nanditha Krishna, are you any way associated with PETA or any other animal welfare bodies in India or abroad ?
Dr.Nanditha: My husband or myself have never been associated with PETA. We are only associated with the Blue Cross of India and have the ambulance services maintained for animals while also providing shelters for them. Our household is a shelter for many animals. In fact we rescued over 13000 people and 10000 animals using boats during the Chennai floods.
Rajesh: Mam are you in any way a signatory in any position with regard to the Jallikattu ban either at court or outside?
Dr.Nanditha: I am not a part of this litigation or the issue and have not participated in this subject for I neither have an authority nor position. Over the years, our Foundation has worked on the book SACRED ANIMALS OF INDIA authored by me. We are working to promote Indian and particularly Tamil culture over the last several decades. My books and research papers in this regard are there in the public forum. A number of leading publishers like Penguin have published my books.
Rajesh: Can you please tell us about your other activities?
Dr.Nanditha: We run schools for the poor at Kanchipuram and Kumbakonam. About 1000 students are educated free of cost in these schools. Besides we are helping about 1000 kids to educate themselves at Chennai. Our Foundation has a school for autistic kids in Chennai. Our environmental activities include identification and preservation of our water bodies,forests and creating books and workshops for kids in order to create a higher level of awareness at an early age. We have also been restoring old village temples and also over 50 temple groves. These temples and groves are being managed by a vast diversity of people irrespective of caste and language. Our place at Eldams Road in Chennai is known as " THE GROVE". In fact we are interested in promoting bio diversity and native species in a big way. All our research is connected with it. Our Foundation re - publishes old books on our heritage, environment and culture regularly. Our Foundation runs a museum and we kind of showcase all our ancient habits and practices as well through the same.
Rajesh: That's interesting mam! What about Jallikattu, can the sport be played in our State and whats your opinion with regard to the continuance of this old form of sport which finds a mention in our mythology and history as well?
Dr.Nanditha: In a democracy its the voice of people which matters. Its the response of the pillars of democracy based on public opinion that is important. Dialogues, debates, arguments, opinions, demonstrations and peaceful protests are part of all this. Its important that everyone is heard and a decision is taken by the authorities concerned after giving a due consideration to public opinion.The laws are created to ensure that the people are happy and that is important. Jallikattu is an ancient Indian sport, it's continuance is completely based on public support and the stand of the various stake holders concerned.