Jallikattu time again? PETA in action!

Jallikattu has been under a lot of controversies in the past. It has been through prohibition and also amendments in the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act, 1960 reversing the Supreme Court ban.

Yet again, it is on the news. 

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) requested the Tamil Nadu government to comment on the inspection report of the bull-taming sport conducted this year. According to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) inspection report, six animals said to have died during the event.

Statements from the report as quoted by Dr. S K Dutta, Secretary, AWBI, exclaimed that pictures showcased cruelty that the animals were teased with nails. Data of one animal death recorded by the committee established in coordination with the TN government contradicts the data put forward by the PETA. Hence, the AWBI has called the government to furnish its comments or views on the report received from PETA at the earliest for further action. Amid pandemic and increasing tensions over the India-China issue, Animal welfare organizations seek public attention.

Concerning Covid-19 Vaccine, the Indian Council of Medical Research wrote to medical institutions and hospitals to fasten the trials aiming to launch a vaccine by 15th August, remarking independence day. On the other hand, a survey by an NGO, Society for Empowerment (SFE) in Patna has exposed that cultural habits of people in tribal areas in Chhattisgarh kept them virus-free. The report expressly stated on the use of traditional herbs and medicines along with social distancing norms of their culture. As cases continue to surge, it’s high time we become more conscious (over health on top priority).

Throughout and after the pandemic

The number of coronavirus cases has continued to surge in India marking a total tally of 509, 737 according to Worldmeter data. The death toll has climbed to 15,700. It's been more than three months since we have locked ourselves and beginning to get used to social distancing norms which is our new normal. We witness at least one positive case reported in our proximity causing tension and worry. In the middle of raising tension, Livemint came up with a news feed on the recovery rate of different states in India based on data available until 25th June 2020.

According to the report, Meghalaya has so far reported 46 cases with 90% recovery rate. It is followed by states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat with recovery rate recorded between 70 to 78 percent. While recovery rate in Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Maharashtra ranges between 50 and 55 percentage. Although it comes as a relief when compared to other countries, it is still panicky.

Social distancing has been the need of the hour. Nevertheless, let us not distance ourselves from humanity. There are protocols to treat patients and even protect the environment by disinfecting but how are we going to protect them after their recovery?

Let us practice empathy and treat them with humanity. Vendors and essential suppliers are cutting out on their deliveries due to fear. Although this seems to guard themselves, demands are turned down affecting their business and puts the needy in distress, also depriving their right to life. Cutting out people does not save us from getting infected. Only social distancing does. Not just you and me, everybody deserves a peaceful life throughout and after this pandemic.