Date:20/01/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/01/20/stories/2004012001661024.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Ban the sport

Sir, — While as a part of the Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu, a day is marked for the worship of cows and for decorating and parading bulls which form an essential part of village life, jallikattu, a barbaric sport, is also encouraged in parts of the State. The sport invariably results in casualties and injuries. The Government should take immediate step to ban this sport. Surely, there are other events open to young men to display their valour.

R. Thiruvengadam,

Chennai

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Sir, — Some prominent television channels showed footage from the jallikattu in Alanganallur, Madurai, in which three persons were killed and more than a hundred injured. If the participants are keen on displaying their bravery and have such disregard for their lives, the purpose will be better served if they join the army. At least, their lives will go in the service of the nation.

C.V.K. Moorthy,

Kolkata