Chennai: As jallikattu was held on a grand scale in the state on Monday, BJP senior and Union minister of state for finance and shipping Pon Radhakrishnan said this popular bull taming sport is an identity of Tamil culture.
The minister who himself had played a crucial role in paving way for the conduct of the sport, credited his BJP for ensuring the conduct of this ancient traditional sport of the Tamils in TN. “Jallikattu is an identity of Tamil culture. Today's event of taming the bull held at several places including Palamedu on Maattu Pongal day, is heartening,” Mr Radhakrishnan said and urged the enthusiastic youth who participated in the event to be cautious and not to hurt the animals.
RSS asks people to bury differences and remain fearless: RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi has called upon the people in the country to unite and be fearless. Greeting people on the occasion of Pongal, Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, who participated in a temple function in suburban Hasthinapuram here, said, “our festivals are not for mere enjoyment or celebration alone and signified unity.”
Citing the significance of the harvest festival - Pongal which marks sun's movement towards north giving more light, he quoted a sloka from the Upanishad (“Tamsoma Jyotirgamaya, meaning Lead me to Light from darkness) and said knowledge will help resolve differences and it should be enhanced, while bearing in mind that 'Bharat Mata' was the binding factor.
“Pongal gives the message of Rashtra Bhakthi (love for one's country),” Mr. Joshi said. He participated in Gho puja and later offered prayers at the Desa Muthumariyamman temple and distributed prizes to winners in various competitions held as part of Pongal festival. His address in Hindi was later translated in Tamil.
