Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of Isha Foundation, has said that those who were opposing Jallikattu were depriving the little happiness of the rural masses derived by participating in the sport during Pongal festival.

”Courage is to men what beauty is to women. Men, particularly those hailing from rural areas, now stand deprived of opportunities to show their vigour and strength,” he said in a statement.

He said that Jallikattu was instrumental in keeping the youth away from liquor and other bad habits, and that only the physically and mentally strong persons can participate in the sport.

He also claimed that the bulls used for Jallikkattu were never tortured, killed or harassed and whatever blood loss, bruises or death, happening were only to human being.

”Those who are raising their voices against Jallikkattu should instead fight against the butchering of lakhs of animals for their meat. It is shameful that India topped the list of meat exporters in the world,” Jaggi said.