Jallikattu Protests -The True Victory

Not under a single leadership, not instigated by any political party, not even started by any association or activist group, not under the banner of any caste or community, not belonging to any single profession, not demanding any direct benefits for themselves. Under the sky, near the waves, above the sand and with the wind, all stand hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder.

Many would have never even stepped the premises of the arena where the sport is conducted, and some may not even have seen a full grown bull in person -resplendent in its stoic majestic glory.  They may not have felt the thrill of seeing a bull thunder down the vadivasal, nor the electrifying atmosphere of the crowd cheering on the sport. They may not have been jolted by adrenaline when trying to subdued a charging bull. They may have no inkling to the feeling of pride that the owner of the winning bull experience. Yet, here they are. Young and old, men and women, grandparents and grandchildren, in big groups and small families, cheering for the sport.

Not all understand the A1 A2 milk debate. The students and urbanites may not know the intricacies of cattle raising or breeding. They may not fully comprehend the differences between native and exotic breeds of cattle. They may not trace back to the history of white revolution and what it has done to the economy of the nation and the health of its citizens. They may not  know that there is a bigger debate globally -whether milk is even needed by the humans. Yet, here they are. Setting aside their work, their study, their leisure and their commitments, demanding to save the native breed.

Corporate conspiracy theories, personal attack on actress, bashing animal welfare organisations, political memes, mixture slogans, Modi hating, national media indifference and other side agendas on one side. Spontaneous and mass gathering and support of citizens, safety of women and children, public helping fellow humans with food and water, minimal disruption to normal life, protests predominantly free from untoward incidents, police and protestors exhibiting camaraderie,  lack of unruly behavior, brilliant logistics and phenomenal clean up of the area by the protestors themselves, clear definition of the ultimate objective of the protest on the other hand.

What about animal cruelty?What about women safety? What about Kaveri issue? What about Supreme Court? What about lower tax rates? What about the sambar that had less salt? Haters will be haters. Yet, here they stand. Beyond caste, creed, religion, status, education, profession and other divides -united for a single cause.What needs to be seen here is that the people are now understanding their own potential. They need no leaders with agendas. They are leaders themselves. They have finally realized the tremendous power that they have to bring about the change that they want. And this, by itself, is the victory here.