Over the past few days I have been reading about this tradition/sport or whatever it is we call it. And, I confess! I did not know much about this issue before. Now, I have a fair idea of both points of view. That necessarily does not mean I have been able to take a stand for myself. I have observed that people have been posting their own opinions on this issue with supporting evidence for the same, but I am honestly more curious to understand what does it take for us to arrive at an amicable solution! Or rather, is an amicable solution even possible?
Today, I decided to blog this because I am unable to take one side or the other and I am really in a dilemma.
With protests happening in our city, one side of my mind starts to think "what can I do from here to support the cause?" The other side of my mind fights back asking "Are you 100% sure you are supporting the right cause?". This is exactly why I need your help. I am sure I am not the only one with such questions in mind.
So, comments, thoughts, debate - more than welcome! After all, isn't that one of the reasons why we have social media - to learn from one another for taking the right social action?
However, I must say after a lot of reading, I am leaning towards supporting Jallikattu for the simple reason that as I googled to read more, PETA's and SC's arguments sounds more emotional than data-driven. But, the argument to support Jallikattu are data driven to a detailed extent. Like I always believe, 'Without data, it's just an opinion and we can't change the world with just opinions'. Agreed that this may not necessarily be the right the reason to support one side or the other.
On one side, the opposers claim that the bulls are mistreated with alcohol being force-fed to them and chilli powders being slammed on their faces amongst many other things to get the animal aggressive; as a result, that metaphorically and literally adds "spice" to the event. On the other side, the supporters show that this tradition is important to save our bulls from extinction especially after how greedy our Govt has been about getting more revenue from the diary industry through artificial insemination and other techniques. I am sure you all have enough information about both schools of thought by now!
With this background, I am left with 2 questions representing both schools of thought.
1. Let's say we break our wrist. Would we try to fix the hand or completely cut off the hand itself? If our claim is that the bulls are being tortured for the sport, then shouldn't we focus on regulating it and ensuring it doesn't happen, instead of taking away a culture that's been a part of us for centuries?
It is rural India that helps us to preserve our culture and tradition. Whether we like to admit it or not, urban Indians hold lesser attachment to traditions because we are quick to move on - call it a boon or a bane!
Hence the following questions to the opposers of Jallikattu:
a) With your claims that bulls are being tortured, can you prove and show how many of them were illtreated? Are your numbers statistically significant? (because showing that 7-8 bulls were made to go through this practice while 1000s of bulls are being treated well is just not a good argument).
b) If the supporters are able to prove to you that your analysis is not statistically valid and provide you with a reliable regulatory authority/commission that details out every single practice/rule that needs to be followed before, during and after the sport and that, any violation of the slightest kind resulting in mistreating the animal or harming it will be dealt with severe punishment under the court of law, would you have an open mind to accept Jallikattu? (considering your argument is around animal torture).
2. Easier said than done that 'we need to focus on how to regulate it'...because there are rules by which this sport is conducted - rules that were originally meant to not harm the animal in anyway. For example, one of them is to calm down the bull only by holding its hump and not touching the bull's horns as shown in the picture below. But what's the guarantee that these rules are religiously followed? Just like it is in the videos that PETA published.
Especially when the reward for the sport is money, it is likely that some individuals may cheat to win the prize. We all know how a man's (or a women's) mind works when there is competition and money involved. Add an element of desperate need for that money, and the mind becomes a devil's workshop.
Hence the following questions to supporters of Jallikattu:
a) What can you show as evidence from a reliable source to the opposers to ensure they are convinced the animals are not mistreated? (This is assuming that at the end of the day both sides are genuinely against mistreatment of animals)
b) What can you promise about ensuring that the original rules of the sport are religiously followed? How can this be monitored and brought to justice accurately?
I am not saying it is easy to achieve these things. But, at the same time, I do not think it's impossible.
Supporters of Jallikattu may ask "This is our tradition. We have been growing bulls all our lives as if they are one of our own by investing all our resources on them. How does some so-called animal welfare organizations such as PETA get to question this'?
Fortunately or unfortunately, technology has improved spreading awareness to everyone and giving them a platform to voice their opinion. When millions voice their opinion, it becomes a national debate. When it becomes a national debate, media gets involved. When media gets involved, they take sides and often blow up the issue. It is a vicious circle and let's not get there. Let's focus on the issue at hand!
Supporters of Jallikattu may ask "This is our tradition. We have been growing bulls all our lives as if they are one of our own by investing all our resources on them. How does some so-called animal welfare organizations such as PETA get to question this'?
Fortunately or unfortunately, technology has improved spreading awareness to everyone and giving them a platform to voice their opinion. When millions voice their opinion, it becomes a national debate. When it becomes a national debate, media gets involved. When media gets involved, they take sides and often blow up the issue. It is a vicious circle and let's not get there. Let's focus on the issue at hand!
Amidst all these lingering questions in my mind, A larger question remains unanswered though - Is the Government and Supreme Court truly concerned about animal welfare or our tradition? Or, is this one of their tactics of politicizing the issue for banking votes? Honestly, I do not know!
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