‘Art of Living’ founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar today came out in support of the ancient bull-taming sport Jallikattu and said that the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu should be respected.
Reminding that ‘ Jallikattu’ was part of Tamil culture from ages, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar pointed out that the people of the state are upset and angry as they feel that their important festival is being interfered with and their rights infringed upon.
"I understand the sentiments of Tamil Nadu. Pongal is the biggest festival of Tamil Nadu. The second day of Pongal is celebrated with bulls and cows and for this they have reared the bulls, respected the bulls from ages and they have protected the breed, the native breed of the bulls," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said.
Pointing out that Jallikattu was a ritual and not the game of a few rich people, Sri Sri Ravishankar said that he was in favour of making proper representation to the court in this regard for a fair hearing.
"I think we need to give proper representation to the court so that can give a fair hearing. Perhaps they have never imagined that it is such a popular game in Tamil Nadu," he said.
"I believe that an appeal will be heard and justice will be with the people of Tamil Nadu," he added.
Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the issue.
PM Modi, however, refused to intervene pointing out that the matter is sub-judice.
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