“Pro-Jallikattu protest captured the imagination of the public – all over T.N., in different parts of India and to some extent internationally also. The response to it was very varied; it appeared quaint, even bizarre that there was an occupy movement on the question of what they understood vaguely about a so-called sport – where bulls ran amok and people get hurt. But, we shouldn’t be in denial and say that it was always conducted in an acceptable manner,” said N. Ram, Chairman, Kasturi and Sons Ltd, at the launch of book Occupy Marina , written by Swapna Sundar in Chennai on Saturday.
Stating that the book was an example of ‘thorough, well-researched journalism,’ he said that the author has spoken to a wide variety of people and not just pursued her own point of view. “Making sense of what happened at the Jallikattu protests is the major contribution of book,” he said, adding, “But, even today, after Jallikattu has been resumed, lot of accidents have happened, unless it is properly organised and rules are enforced, you are going to get into trouble with the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is yet to decide on this question and the ban hasn’t been permanently lifted.”
Arguing that the protests also saw the demonisation of the organisation called PETA, which works for animal rights in India, he said, “The Supreme Court, governments involved, legislators, present government at the centre and previous government – all were actors in this drama. But by letting them off the hook and oversimplifying that the evil organisation headquartered in the U.S. cost it only leads to denial.”
While acknowledging the historical importance of the protests, Congress Party leader Mohan Kumaramangalam wondered why young people couldn’t manage a similar uprising for many other issues. “We didn’t do another occupy Marina when we have a non-functioning State or when Anitha died. We have got to stop looking at politicians as idols and heroes. We must demand governance,” he said.
Speaking about the impact of Jallikattu protests, Ulrike Niklas, Head of Institute of South Asian and Southeast - Asian Studies, Dept. of Indology and Tamil Studies, University of Cologne, Germany, said, “May be when we see it from Chennai, the impact may not seem significant. But, in rural Tamil Nadu, there is a resurgence of self-respect movement.”
Documentary filmmaker Kombai S. Anwar said that the book puts the protests in historical context. “The book draws parallel with Tahrir square (Arab spring), Anna Hazare movement and why it fizzled out. But this movement achieved its objective. We also need to be aware that the system will hit back. As we try to celebrate the protests, we must also be aware of its pitfalls,” he said.
Swapna Sundar said, “Many critics said it was a frivolous movement, a carnival, a cultural extravaganza, a platform to show folk music and folk dance, for people to come together as men and women show camaraderie. It is not a celebration of political movement but a social transformation.”
