On a beautiful day of 8th January 2017, The peaceful revolution took place in Tamil Nadu for lifting the ban against jallikattu given by Supreme court of India, This is one of the revolution the world has never experienced after Gandhi’s notion of nonviolence .
It all started with a few activists. Sooner it became viral and people came to know that its time to stand for their rights. Millions joined throughout Tamil Nadu and all around the globe with the help of Social Media. Social Media became the communication medium for activists.
“From Sydney to San Francisco people given their support for the movement.”
Me: My Name is Alankar Sudarsan, I’m from Tamil Nadu, Southern part of India
Readers: Oh! Come on man you are writing in medium and your friends or followers know your name too.
Me: Yes, I know. Let me tell how I got an Identity and a name to call. My name has derived from the place name called “Alanganallur” and it is famous for Jallikattu.
Jallikattu is the Cultural Identity and Traditional sport of Thamizhans, Bulls were worshipped and raised as one of their family members even before the sport existed and further it went deep in to their lifestyle too. They started naming their kids, homes, etc.. That’s how it become my name, Identity, and culture.”
Readers: Alright so what are you trying to say?
Me: Not much, But an experience of once in a lifetime. The world witnessed a breathtaking revolution happened in Tamil Nadu for lift of ban on Jallikattu.
Alright, Why am I writing a post?
Yes, there is a motive. Seeing Jallikattu movement happening more than a week. As a Thamizhan, I’m not able to give my support to my fellow activists. Because I’m in Bangalore and I’m not justifying myself. It is my duty to go there and stand to save My rights, My culture, and My tradition.
This feel was not letting me sleep peacefully or do my daily routine normally. How will it? when my people protesting more than week.
I got to know there is a campaign going in Hosur near to Bangalore, for Jallikattu. Didn’t gave a second thought, Went there and Joined with activists. They chose a place under the flyover where they can protest without disturbing public.
“30% of the activists stepped in were women. Activists were vibrant and interestingly from all age group includes Kids, Pregnant lady, Mother of 2month old baby , Newly married couple, Senior citizens and even whole family.”
Sponsors were helping with water and foods to keep the activists energetic. Other hand people were displaying TN’s own art Silambattam. Trust me the place was very clean and organized well. Moreover, Most of the protestors were women. Not even a single misbehave from men or complaints from women were raised.
Self organized Activists planted a unique way of protest to fight back for their rights on Jallikattu in a well disciplined and peaceful way. Activists formed a team where one team took care of traffic and let the public go normally. One team took care of garbages and cleaned the place till the time they campaigned. Interestingly there were no women harassment, No Nuisance, No damage to the public property was claimed during the protest.
Finally, I found a place to sit down and joined with thousands to give my voice to lift the ban on Jallikattu. The air was filled only with our thunderous voice and slogans. The spirit of activists was attracting everyone around them and not letting anyone go off or distracted.
Even though I didn’t want to leave, But with heavy heart started back to Bangalore. It got out from that guilt feel I had and felt that I did my duty.
“One thing I realized is, I’m equally responsible in this society for what happened before, What is going on now and what will happen in future. It is my duty to claim or bring it back to my community what is lost or something we are about to lose.”
Once we lost or gave up our Identity, Even in our own country we are slaves.
It is not about #jallikattu or #bull
It is about National Issue
It is a clear wake up call
It is now or never
Without even our knowledge we gave up half of our country, culture, tradition, lifestyle to corporates, Foreigners..etc. We have at least something to call that this My Identity, My land, My Culture, My Tradition. Let us not give up that too.
“We as a Thamizans stood up, Fighted back and won the ban against Jallikattu.”
Viewers: Dude, You made me read your entire story and what’s the point?
Me: The whole purpose of writing this story is, Lot of people who want to give voice or stand for their everyday problems happening around them, But not able to pursue because of some reason. If this story brings an awareness or motivate to those people or to my friends, relatives or colleagues or for anyone to stood up for their own issue and fight back, I’m happy enough.
P.S: I wanted to write in Tamil, But everyone should be able to read and understand. Thank you for the #jallikattu movement which made me realize what is my responsibility in the society.
“Never ever forgot who you are and where you came from”
