Harvard University Tamil Chair

பிறப்பொக்கும் எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் சிறப்பொவ்வா

செய்தொழில் வேற்றுமை யான்.

- திருக்குறள் (திருவள்ளுவர்)

Al l beings are born equal. Distinction

Comes with differences in profession/deeds.

- Thirukkural (Thiruvalluvar)



Jonathan Ripley, Tamil Chair, Harvard.

Tamil 101A. Elementary Tamil
Jonathan Ripley 
(fall term). M., W., F., 9-10:00am
An introduction to the oldest of the Dravidian languages of South India, Tamil holds official language status in Tamil Nadu, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Tamil has one of the oldest uninterrupted literary traditions in the world, ranging from classical love poetry, devotional compositions and epics to the modern novel and short story. Students will be introduced to the Tamil script and to reading, writing, and speaking. Materials from popular culture will supplement modern teaching materials.

More here ...

All beings are equal, said our ancestors. They lived and showed us a path that is love and love only. Visitors to a Tamil family are questioned first - 'Did you eat'? Offering food to the visitor, even if the entire family starve, is considered as the first and foremost responsibility of the family. Oh, did I forget to say that the visitors here are any being.

The language spoken by such a clan is the most ancient and classical. No wonder the language is spoken till today. Tamil is the mother of all languages proposed and agreed by many scholars worldwide.

Iravatham Mahadevan papers

Why Government of India deny excavations in Mahabalipuram,  Pumpuhar and Kanyakumari? What government of India denied is done by the cosmos. The Mahabalipuram ruins "reappeared" after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

CBS News - Tsunami Revealed Lost India City

Mangaladevi Kannagi Kottam, has remained a symbol of monumental neglect

We are neglected, denied, our history erased and not taught in our schools properly. 

Let us wake-up and the world !

Please donate

 

Jallikattu: The seed of our country breeds

Jallikattu, a centuries-old tradition, is not just a sport or cultural event but a celebration of Tamil Nadu’s deep connection to its native bulls and agricultural heritage. Known as Eru Thazhuvuthal (embracing the bull), Jallikattu is an integral part of the Tamil festival of Pongal, symbolizing the bond between humans and animals. Beyond its cultural significance, Jallikattu serves a larger purpose – the preservation of indigenous cattle breeds, which are the backbone of sustainable agriculture in Tamil Nadu and across the country.

Indigenous Bulls: The Pride of Tamil Nadu

India is home to several native cattle breeds, each adapted to its specific region’s climate and soil conditions. Tamil Nadu’s majestic bulls such as the Kangayam, Pulikulam, Umbalachery, Bargur, and Alambadi are not just symbols of strength and beauty but play an active role in agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Unlike hybrid breeds that require extensive care and maintenance, native bulls are known for their resilience, heat tolerance, and ability to work in difficult terrains. These bulls are traditionally used for ploughing fields, pulling carts, and in breeding practices that ensure the strength and purity of indigenous cattle. However, with the modernization of agriculture and increasing mechanization, the role of bulls has declined, putting many native breeds at risk of extinction.

Jallikattu: A Platform for Preservation

Jallikattu acts as a vital platform for maintaining and showcasing the value of native breeds. During the event, bulls are not harmed but celebrated for their vigor and strength. Owners take immense pride in raising and training their bulls, treating them as members of the family. The sport ensures that healthy and strong bulls are nurtured, leading to selective breeding practices that protect and improve the genetic pool of indigenous cattle.

The bulls used in Jallikattu are not mere animals; they represent years of dedication, careful nurturing, and traditional knowledge passed through generations. Farmers and breeders invest significant time and resources to ensure these animals are well-fed, healthy, and ready to display their agility and strength during the event.

The Threat to Native Breeds

Over the years, factors like industrialization, mechanized farming, and the rise of commercial milk production using foreign breeds have overshadowed native bulls. With foreign cattle breeds being introduced for higher milk yield, native bulls are losing their place in agriculture and rural life. This shift has severely impacted the biodiversity of India’s cattle, and many native breeds face the risk of disappearing altogether.

The absence of native bulls also poses a long-term threat to sustainable agriculture. Indigenous breeds are better suited to local conditions and require less water, fodder, and veterinary care compared to exotic cattle. They play a crucial role in organic farming, as their dung is an excellent natural fertilizer that enriches soil health.

Jallikattu and Cultural Identity

Jallikattu is more than just a tradition; it is a statement of Tamil pride and identity. The event brings entire communities together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of farmers while recognizing the importance of native bulls in sustaining the agricultural ecosystem. By continuing this practice, Tamil Nadu ensures the survival of its cattle breeds, which form the “seed” of our country’s agricultural future.

In recent years, Jallikattu has faced opposition from those who misunderstand its purpose. However, for the people of Tamil Nadu, Jallikattu is not about harming animals but about honoring and safeguarding them. The bulls are revered, celebrated, and protected during and beyond the event.

A Call to Preserve Our Heritage

The need to preserve Jallikattu and the indigenous breeds used in the sport is more urgent than ever. Governments, policymakers, and environmentalists must come together to support farmers who breed native bulls and create awareness about their importance. Programs to promote sustainable cattle farming and incentives for farmers to continue traditional breeding practices can ensure that these bulls thrive for generations to come.

By preserving Jallikattu, we are not just protecting a tradition but securing the future of our agricultural heritage and biodiversity. The bulls of Tamil Nadu, the seeds of our country’s breeds, represent strength, resilience, and sustainability – values that are deeply rooted in our land and culture.

Conclusion

Jallikattu is a cultural celebration with profound environmental and agricultural significance. It is a movement to save our native bulls, which are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and rural livelihoods. By understanding and supporting Jallikattu, we honor our roots, our traditions, and the precious breeds that sustain our land. Let us protect these symbols of Tamil pride and ensure that the seed of our country breeds continues to thrive for generations to come.