According to a study carried out by a Research Scholar at Bharathiar University, “Jallikattu", the bull-taming sport is a natural amalgam of traditional Tamil culture, nature and lifestyle of Tamils.
Coimbatore: Palaniappan, a Research scholar, who did his pioneering study on "Jallikattu" under the supervision of Dr. C. Pichandi, Professor and Head (Retd.) of the Department of Communication, P.S.G. College of Arts and Science, has come out with startling findings.
The oral examination for which was held recently on the premises of P.S.G Arts and Science College.
Dr K. Padmakumar, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Corporate Communication, Manipal Institute of Higher Education and Institute of Communication Studies participated as an external researcher.
Dr C. Pichandi, Professor and Head (Retd.), Department of Communication, P.S.G. College of Arts and Science, said the traditional bull-taming sport of “Jallikattu” is an amalgamation of traditional culture and nature of Tamil Nadu.
"The whole idea of the Tamil traditional sport has to be seen from many angles to understand it.
Jallikattu is also an event wherein Tamils worship bulls, cows, bullocks” he said.
“It is wrong to separate Jallikattu from the culture of Tamils. Jallikattu is considered equal to faith in God. In Indian culture, the cow is given importance. But in Tamil culture, the bull is given importance, which is note-worthy’ Dr Pitchandi noted.
"Nandi idols are installed against Lord Shiva in temples and worship is performed every month in the name of "Pradosham". It would be wrong to compare Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu with any other sport practised in foreign countries including Italy" he said
While observing the state-wide protest to revive the sport a few years back Dr Pitchandi said “ Jallikattu protests in Tamil Nadu became a struggle for the lives of Tamils. Financial assistance and food were provided on behalf of the people for the historic struggle. The media played a very important role in the success of the Jallikattu agitation.
The research findings have come at a time when Tamil Nadu is gearing up to hold Jallikattu events across the state on the occasion of the Pongal festival. On the other hand, the SC verdict in the case filed on behalf of PETA is also being awaited.
Prof. Ramamoorthy, an eminent scholar in comparative studies,
Former Mayor Rajkumar, P.S.G. Arts and Science College Head Dr Jayaprakash and others participated.