4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific
Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli
http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 1/17 [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, JalliKattu guidelines 1. Prologue 2. [Act I] History 1. H1: Gandhi in South Africa 1. Gandhi: 1890s till 1900s 2. Gandhi in Boer War (1899) 3. Gandhi in Zulu Wars (1906) 4. 1913-14: The Peak of protests 5. Transvaal March 1913 6. Sugarcane Protests 7. December Enquiry 8. Evaluation of Gandhi in S.Africa 1. #1: Gandhi as an Integrationist 2. #2: Gandhi, the Feminist 3. #3: Gandhi the Mahatma 4. #4: Gandhi vs his Critiques 5. #5: Gandhi, the British Patriot 6. #6: Gandhis Kesar-e-Hind 2. H1: Hazrat Mahal: 135 th Anniversary 3. [Act II] Environment Biodiversity (EnB) 1. B1: Japans Scientific Whaling 2. B2: Railsaver: IT platform 4. [Act III] Culture 1. C1: JalliKattu: Guidelines by SC + Government 2. C2: Truckload of Harvest Festivals Prologue Current events in 2014 April Week2 (8-15 th ) 1. Part 1/3: History, Culture and Environment: (Youre here) 2. Part 2/3: Economy. Done click me 3. Part 3/3: Diplomacy-international relations. Done click me Mains General Studies Paper 1 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 2/17 Answer each of the following in 200 words each: 1. In South Africa, Gandhi fought against policies of General Smuts and not against the British empire. comment. 2. Discuss in brief- South Africa as the experiment lab of Gandhian methods. 3. Write a note on how South Africa turned Mohandas into Mahatma. 4. Why did Gandhi fought against the colonial powers in South Africa? Evaluate his achievements and failures therein. 5. Write a note about the contribution of Begam Hazrat Mahal in Indias struggle for Independence. 6. What is Jaliikattu? List the guidelines set by Supreme Court and Government of India for organizing of this festival. [Syllabus topic- Diversity of India(!)] Interview 1. What is this so called Scientific whaling by Japan? 2. Why has Japan decided not to conduct it during 2014-15? 3. Culture traditions and religious sentiments apart, Do you think JalliKattu should be banned completely? [Act I] History Two topics this time: Gandhi in South Africa and Hazrat Mahal in 1857. H1: Gandhi in South Africa Topic in news because Ramachandra Guha released a new book -Gandhi Before India. Later EPW put a review article about this book. And previously even PIB ran an article on Transvaal March (we saw that already) But Since UPSC included world history in General studies Mains paper I-hence topic becomes important- what did Gandhi do before coming to India? How did he fight the imperialist powers in South Africa? Gandhi: 1890s till 1900s 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 3/17 1893: Gandhi Arrives in South Africa, to fight Dadabhai Abdullas case. Indian businessmen admired him for his fluency in English, legal matters and Gujarati background. But Gandhi did not serve only those rich businessmen. He also fought cases for indentured laborers- mainly permit renewal type litigations. Interestingly, he was the only Indian barrister practicing in Natal. Hence very busy with work. 1893 thrown out of a train from Durban to Pretoria, despite having a valid ticket to travel in the first class. 1894 founded Natal India Congress and became its first Secretary. 1899 another Indian barrister Rahim Karim Khan arrived. Gandhis workload decreased, he starts spending more time reading about religion, politics. authors How did they influence Gandhi? Henry 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 4/17 David Thoreau concept of Civil Disobedience John Ruskin Unto his lust ideas of simple living, community living. Work by hands better than by machines. (same reflect in his Hind Swaraj later on). Ralf Waldo Emerson concept of Individualism Tolstoy The kingdom of God is within you. Gandhi in Boer War (1899) Transvaal was rich in gold, so British plotted to overthrow Boer government. This led to the Boer War (1899)=>Boers were defeated but they continued to live here. 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 5/17 During Boer war, Gandhi served from British side, as an assistant superintendent of the Indian volunteer stretcher-bearer corps. Gandhi earned Boer war medal for his services. He wrote in the autobiography: When the war was declared, my personal sympathies were all with the Boers, but my loyalty to the British rule drove me to participation with the British in that war. I felt that, if I demanded rights as a British citizen, it was also my duty, as such to participate in the defence of the British Empire. so I collected together as many comrades as possible, and with very great difficulty got their services accepted as an ambulance corps. Phoenix Farm 1904: Inspired by Tolstoy, Gandhi setups Phoenix farm. There he begins treating all ailments and preaching and writing about hygiene, sanitation, good diet, natural cures, and sexual abstinence. This sheds an important light on the origin of Gandhi Ashrams in India. 1904: starts printing newspaper Indian Opinion from his farm. Gandhi in Zulu Wars (1906) British attacked Zulu population and made them serve as labour in the diamond mines across Southern Africa. In 1906, the Zulu Rebellion broke out in Natal province of South Africa Zulus demanded land rights and abolition of heavy taxes. However, the whites declared war against the Zulus. In this Zulu war/rebellion, Gandhi (Again) served from British side, as the officer in charge of the Indian volunteer ambulance corps and earned Zulu War Medal for his services. Fight against Registration Act 1906- 07 A new law required Indians to carry registration certificates all the time. Gandhi begins first passive resistance campaign / Satyagraha. He asks people to burn their certificates. 1908 Gandhi arrested for this campaign against registration act 1909 Gandhi travels to London, finally Transvaal registration act repealed. 1913-14: The Peak of protests 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 6/17 March 1913 Supreme Court in Cape Town nullified all non-Christian marriages, and declared all Indian wives as mistress and their kids as bastards. Gandhi immediately demanded a change in the law, declaring that declaring that Any nation that fails to protect the honour of its women, any individual who fails to protect the honour of his wife is considered lower in level than a brute. Kasturba spearheaded a passive resistance. Women volunteered to go to jail on their own initiative. April 1913 South African Unions PM General Smuts introduced even harsher immigration bill. The bill included an ongoing provision for the 3 poll tax May 1913 Gandhi demands poll tax and marriage issues be settled together. All Indians and Transvaal and Natal rally up behind him. But the immigration bill soon passed. June 1913 King gives assent to bill and it became an Act. 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 7/17 Sep 1913 Gandhi launches the passive resistance courts arrest along with his followers- including women. Oct 1913 5000 Indian coal miners of northern Natal go on strike. Gandhi and his co- workers were instrumental in encouraging the strike. The coal miners strike provided the committed mass of supporters to Gandhi. His movement gains attention of Indian press, Gandhi starts receiving funds from Gokhale, Aurobindo Ghosh and Wealthy Indians, even from princely states of India. This money helped him to launch a long Transaaval march- arranging food and supplies for those protestors and their families. Transvaal March 1913 Along with 2000 Natal coal miners, Gandhi began March towards Transvaal. At that time, crossing border from Natal to Transvaal required Permit- But they crossed border without permit. Gen. Smuts downplayed this march thinking itd soon collapse. (Just like how Lord Irwin thought Dandi Salt March would be an #EPICFAIL). But since the protest did not collapse, General Smuts ordered police to arrest coal miners. Miners were sent to hard labour camps. Gandhi was thrown into Jail again. Sugarcane Protests Time: mid-November 1913, after Arrest of Gandhi. Place: Coastal areas of Natal, Sugar plantations. Now here also, Indian laborers went on strike and began marching towards towns. This protest was wholly self-organised, they were inspired from the news of Transvaal March and Gandhis arrest. Although they called Gandhi their Raja (king!) but methods were not always Gandhian. Often these angry strikers would burnt plantations, attack policemen with knives, sticks and stones. Many injured and died. The Indian laborers in Durban also began similar protests. Overall, their demands were: 1. Abolish poll tax 2. Right to free travel without permit. 3. Voting rights. 4. Release Gandhi from jail As the common sense suggests- General Smuts refused and called in the army to 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 8/17 teach them a lesson. December Inquiry Protest gains momentum. Large amount of donations from India. Even Viceroy Hardinge (India) criticized the South African government. December 1913 Under pressure, General Smuts orders an enquiry commission. Himself wrote You cant put twenty thousand Indians into jail. March 1914 Commission report says following: 1. Indian laborers are important for South African economy 2. Give them permit for three years (instead of asking them to renew it every year.) 3. All Indian marriage be legally recognized. 4. Abolish 3 poll tax June 1914 Government enacted the law to implement this report. July 1914 Gandhi leaves for England. and from there, to India. General Smut quotes Gandhi approached me on a number of small administrative points, some of which I could meet him on, and as a result, the saint has left our shores I sincerely hope for ever. Evaluation of Gandhi in S.Africa #1: Gandhi as an Integrationist During South African struggle, Gandhi took help of Hindus, Muslims, Christian, Jews, Tamils, Parsi and even Chinese immigrants. He sought the best in all, believed people of different backgrounds can living together in a united spirit. This experience made him believe that all faiths can lead to salvation. Gandhi was thus different than his contemporaries. Indian Congress embraced all different races and religions but in the beginning Congress was very elitist-upper caste male dominated body. Although Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji were free of sectarian and caste bias, but they lived very privileged life. Contrary to them, Gandhi embraced a wide range of castes, races, religions- both male and female, and integrated them into the struggle in South Africa- he united all Asians and Africans, and not just the Indians. 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jalli 9/17 #2: Gandhi, the Feminist The idea of a woman going to jail had been unthinkable for male, upper-caste Indian nationalists. But with Gandhis passive resistance in S.Africa, this became a common phenomenon, he asked women to join the protests and court arrests. [was influenced by feminist Millie Polak] Thus, Gandhi played a catalyst in the entry of Indian women in political protests and freedom struggle. #3: Gandhi the Mahatma Gandhis long time friend Pranjivan Mehta used this title, in a letter to GK Gokhale (1912) He wrote, Mahatma Gandhi was one of those rare men who are occasionally born to elevate humanity in the land of their birth Guha compares the Gandhi-Mehta relationship to that of Marx and Engels. #4: Gandhi vs his Critiques During the Indian freedom struggle, we know that many revolutionaries and even Congress leaders did not fully approve Gandhian methods. Similarly even in S.Africa, Gandhi faced critiques- main among them was a Tamil Journalist PS Aiyar. Gandhi PS Aiyar Indian should be given right to free movement within Transvaal region- without requiring any permits. not just Transvaal, Indian should get right to free movement throughout South Africa. was against the 3 poll tax on Indian laborers. But he wanted to protest in Gradual Stages: First we send petition to Government, then mass meeting, then petition to British parliament if still no solution then we refuse to pay this tax. No, we should immediately launch a mass movement to pressurize the government into abolishing the tax. less talking and more doing thus in the later phase of the movement, the bad relation between Gandhi and Aiyer radicalized the movement- with poors on Aiyars side and white / blue collar Indians 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jall 10/17 on Gandhis side. #5: Gandhi, the British Patriot 1. Until the 1920s, Gandhi was an ardent British patriot 2. He felt the British Empire embodied the principles of equality and liberty that he believed in. 3. He considered General Smuts racist policies in South Africa as an aberration, rather than a defining trait of the British Empire. 4. Gandhi saw British Raj as benevolent rather than tyrannical; despite its flaws, British Raj had been good for India (compared to the rule by native princes), and that the ideals of the British constitution merited the loyalty of all British subjects across the globe, white, black and Indian alike. 5. Gandhi even declared that he and his fellow Indians were proud to be under the British Crown, and England will prove Indias deliverer. 6. Gandhi participated in Boer and Zulu wars hoping itd earn the trust of British authorities that Indians and Asians were indeed loyal subjects of his majesty, and theyll be treated equally in South Africa. 7. Some historians even argue, Gandhi participated in these wars with hope that itd end the struggle in South Africa and help him return India. #6: Gandhis Kesar-e-Hind 1915: Gandhi returned to India, Lord Hardinge awarded Kesar-e-Hind medal for his services in ambulance corps during South Africa. 1920: During Khilafat movement, Gandhi returned these medals to Viceroy Chelmsford and wrote, It is not without a pang that I return the Kaisar-i-Hind gold medal granted to me by your predecessor (Lord Hardinge) for my humanitarian work in South Africa, the Zulu War medal granted in South Africa for my services as officer in charge of the Indian volunteer ambulance corps in 1906 and the Boer War medal for my services as assistant superintendent of the Indian volunteer stretcher-bearer corps during the Boer War of 1899-1900. I venture to return these medals in pursuance of the scheme of non- cooperation inaugurated today in connection with the Khilafat movement. Valuable as these honours have been to me, I cannot wear them with an easy conscience so long as my Mussalman countrymen have to labour under a wrong done to their religious sentiment. Events that have happened during the past one month have confirmed me in the opinion that the Imperial Government have acted in the Khilafat matter in an unscrupulous, immoral and unjust manner and have been moving from wrong to wrong in order to defend their immorality. I can retain neither 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jall 11/17 respect nor affection for such a Government. Mrunal comments: For MCQs, keep in mind Gandhi earned these medals for work in Zulu and Boer wars (and not WW1), and returned these medals for NCM in connection with Khilafat movement specifically. (As evident from his own letter above.) Because at some pages in Wikipedia and other books- they claim Gandhi got this medal for service in WW1 and returned them for Jaliawalan massacre = thats incorrect. Overall: 1. Inclusion of Women, all races and religions = must for success in a political struggle. 2. His Ashrams as a meeting and training ground for all of them. 3. Passive resistance, civil disobedience = more successful than violent methods. 4. There will be critiques and setbacks but perseverance will lead to success. 5. Made General Smuts to abolish poll tax, legally recognize Indian marriage, and give lengthier permits. 6. Because of his achievements in South Africa, Gandhi could return to India as an Indian national hero with an established reputation- elicit support from Congress, other leaders and Indian people. 7. Until 1920s, a British patriot, as seen from his participation in Zulu wars and Boer Wars. But later disillusioned by the British raj in India. Now Ramchandra Guha is planning to write next book about Gandhis work in India from 1915-48. Mock Questions (200 words each) 1. In South Africa, Gandhi fought against policies of General Smuts and not against the British empire. comment. 2. Discuss in brief- South Africa as the experiment lab of Gandhian methods. 3. Write a note on how South Africa turned Mohandas into Mahatma. 4. Why did Gandhi fought against the colonial powers in South Africa? Evaluate his achievements and failures therein. H2: Hazrat Mahal: 135 th Anniversary Hazrat Mahal = 135th Anniversary, hence she automatically becomes important for UPSC Mains 2014. Just like Maulana Azad in Mains-2013 Q.Write a note about the contribution of Begam Hazrat Mahal in Indias struggle for Independence. (200 words) 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jall 12/17 1856 under Doctrine of Lapse, Lord Dalhousie exiled the Nawab wajid Ali shah of Awadh to Calcutta. His wife, Begum Hazrat Mahal took the charge of the state, and played a prominent role in the mutiny of 1857 1. Provided Leadership to rebels of Lucknow, and fought in the name of her minor son Birjis Qadr. 2. In the war of Alambaug, herself fought against British troops. 3. Assisted Nana Saheb in Kanpur. 4. Lord Dalhousie asked the help of Nepals Rana Jang Bahadur and offered areas of Gorakhpur and Awadh in return. Begum countered Dalhousies move by offering the Rana three more province of Awadh apart from Gorakhpur. 5. Assisted Maulvi Ahmedullah (Danka Shah) against attack on Shahjahanpur (Firozabad) and defeated Henry Lawrence. 6. British again attacked great force, she was defeated but escaped to Nepal. 7. British offered pension to her if she gave up her claim on throne for his son. But Begam denied and chose to live in Nepal, where she died in 1874. Begum Hazrat Mahal fought with great fervor, showed exceptional courage and organisational skills. She had ability to unite people from different class and provided an instrumental leadership during Indias first struggle for independence. ~200 words. [Act II] Environment Biodiversity (EnB) two topics this time: Jap whaling and RAILSAVER web portal. B1: Japans Scientific Whaling (Interview questions) 4. What is this so called Scientific whaling by Japan? 5. Why has Japan decided not to conduct it during 2014-15? What is scientific whaling? 1. Japanese whaling program known as JARPA II 2. Since 2005 3. In Antarctic Ocean 4. For scientific research JAPANESE GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS Since 2005, you killed more than 3000 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jall 13/17 Whales are hunted for scientific research. whales, but hardly any research paper or noteworthy discovery made. Your main purpose is selling meat. Scientific research is only an excuse. We live in an era of DNA mapping and satellite monitoring, you dont need to kill any whales for research. Still, if you want bodies, there are enough dead whales on beach around the world. Most of the whale species are not in danger of extinction and their hunting is sustainable just like brewing desi liquor from sewer water and selling it in used polythene bags. If theyre not in the extinction list, your stupid Scientific whaling will definitely put them on extinction list soon. Whale killing=> damage to marine ecology, food chain and food web. Whale is chief source of Protein in Japan. We have very small agriculture land, hardly any fishes in the coastal areas due to pollution. Hence we have sail to Antarctica for whale hunting. Whale meat is so expensive, very few Japs can afford it today. Besides, You can import milk products, chicken and (animal) meat from other countries, & giveem to Japanese school kids and BPL families under Rajiv Gandhi protein lelo yojana. 1986: Japan agreed to an international agreement to stop/reduce whaling. But did not implement it on ground. 2010: Australia filed a case in International Court of Justice (ICJ)- that Japanese whaling program is not scientific. 2014 ICJ Verdict 1. JARPA II is not is not a scientific research permitted under International Whaling Commission Rules. 2. JARPA II violates the International Whaling Commissions global moratorium on commercial hunting. 3. ICJ asked Japan to halt lethal methods for whale research. 4. Japan need to produce fresh proposal in accordance with the verdict, if it wants to continue with the hunt. 5. Therefore, Japanese govt. announced not to hunt in 2014-15 season B2: Railsaver: IT platform What? Web portal to moniter energy consumption in Indian railways. Railways will analyse this data, design new methods to save 15% 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jall 14/17 Why? energy by 2020. Who designed this? Centre of Railway Informatics System (CRIS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Railways Who gave money? UNDPs Global Environmental Facility (GEF) funding. They gave ~5 million US Dollars. [Act III] Culture Two topics this time: JalliKattu guidelines and truckload of harvest festivals. C1: JalliKattu: Guidelines by SC + Government Q.What is Jaliikattu? List the guidelines set by Supreme court and Government of India for organizing of this festival. (200 words) Ans. 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jall 15/17 Meaning Jaliikattu is a bull taming sport organised in the January-July period as part of Pongal harvest festival celebration since the Sangam age. Coin bags & other prizes are tied to bulls horn, then bull is made to run through a narrow passage, men try to tame it and grab the prizes. Earlier, Animal welfare board of India and PETA filled separate petitions in Supreme Court, demanding complete ban of Jaliikattu since it involves cruelty to animals. SC Direction Hold Jallikattu five months a year but only after permission from District Collector. Bulls must be monitored by Animal welfare board officers to ensure no steroids or performance enhancing drugs are given. Only 4 men against 1 bull. Dont allow Spectators in the ring. Double barricades to protect innocent bystanders. Medical teams to treat the wounded men and animals. Guidelines by GoI 2011: Environment ministry issued notification banning the exhibition & training of Bulls as performing animals. Although in 2014, Removed Bulls from that list. In addition to the SC guidelines, Government directed district administration to ensure no unnecessary harm was caused to bulls. Organisers have to deposit Rs.5 lakh and Rs.2 lakh for each death and serious injury case respectively. Physical examination of Bulls before the event, ensure no steroids or drugs are given to the bulls. ~220 words. Side notes Jallikatu= Salli kassu (coins) + Kattu (meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money. 2008 Animal welfare board of India filled case in SC, asking for complete ban of Jallikattu under Prevention of Cruelty to animals act. 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jall 16/17 2008- 09 SC bans Jallikattu festival. 2009 Tamilnadu enacts a law to regulate Jallikattu (so they can ask SC to revoke the ban.) 2013 PETA reports that despite SC guideline and Tamilandu Act, the cruelty continues. For example, to ensure bull behaves aggressively, organizers injure its tail, put chilli powder in its eyes, they even feed desi liquor to the bull. When bull behaves violently, crowd gangs up and beats it mercilessly. PETA made documentary, and asked SC for complete ban of this festival. Bull as performance animals 1998: Environment ministry banned the training and exhibition of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers and lions 2011: added Bulls in that list. (Meaning organizers cannot train bulls for Jallikattu.) 10 April 2014: Removed bulls from that list. (Obvious angle = vote bank to please the rural population of TN before general election in their Constituencies). Jallikattu advocates PETA advocates This is sport and not circus performance hence Bulls shouldnt be in the list. Jallikattu has became an industry or circus- otherwise in ancient times, it was held only during Pongal, now theyre holding it 5-6 months in a year! C2: Truckload of Harvest Festivals In Western Civilization, new year starts with 1 st January but in most parts of India, new year starts in April- during Harvesting season. For example: Puthudu Pirappu Tamilnadus new year. Bohag Bihu/ Mesadi Assam, beginning of harvest festival. Welcoming the rainbearing North Western winds. Naba Barsha In Bengal. Rangoli in every house. Vishu Diwali of Kerala (And certain district of Karnataka) money donated, hence called Vishukainettam) People visit Sabarimala temple in the morning. 4/29/2014 Mrunal [Current] April-Week2-P1: History, Culture, Environment- Gandhi in South Africa, Hazrat Mahal 135, Japanese Scientific Whaling, Railsaver, Jalli http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture-environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling-railsaver-jall 17/17 Ugadi Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Vaishakhi harvest festival of Punjab GAJAN festival Folk festival of west Bengal For Shiva/ Dharmathakur (lord of fertility) During Chaitra Sankranti (14th March) To celebrate the wedding of Shiva and Parvati/ Dhamrathakur with Mukti Farmers keep fast and pray for better rain and harvest. Some pierce their tongues with needles, dress like Shiva, Parvati and other deities and carry out procession through the village. Religious festivals in April: Ester Christians-on Sunday after full moon in April. Mahavir Jayanti Birthday of Lord Mahavir father- Siddhartha, Mother- Trishala Place- Kundgram near Vaishali (Bihar.) Visit Mrunal.org/CURRENT for entire Archive weekly current affairs compilations published so far. URL to article: http://mrunal.org/2014/04/current-april-week2-p1-history-culture- environment-gandhi-south-africa-hazrat-mahal-135-japanese-scientific-whaling- railsaver-jallikattu-guidelines.html Posted By Mrunal On 28/04/2014 @ 23:01 In the category Current Affairs Weekly