CHENNAI: She sat with a dupatta covering her head in the afternoon on Saturday close to Gandhi statue on Marina beach. She winced every time the sun hurt her eyes as she spoke to the people coming up to where she sat beaming with friends by three large white sheets taped to the ground and every inch covered with palm prints of all sizes. This was G Sruthy’s version of a signature campaign.
Sruthy has been a regular at the protests since the third day. She said she was amazed by the crowd and drawn by stories of people who had left their jobs or exams and college, just to be a part of the agitation.
“These people had so much more to lose and they were all here so how could I not come?” she asked.
“I had nothing to lose and it is my duty to stand up for what is right. That is why I am here and will continue to come till this protest ends,” added the 22-year-old B.Tech student. However, she is excited at getting new friends here.
“It is amazing to see so many wonderful people in one place,” she said. “The environment is so friendly here. Generally one is uncomfortable speaking to strangers but here everyone is talking to everyone for the smallest of things like asking for water or getting some food.”
According to her, the reason people are standing up for the cause is larger, the preservation of the native breeds.
“The issue is about the milk more than anything else,” she explained. “Jallikattu is a way to find out which is the best breed to get better milk. The bull isn’t killed like in Spain. I want to have the milk of the native breed. I don’t want to be fooled with a low quality product,” she said.
The young woman among the many disappointed by the Jallikattu ordinance, terming it as temporary solution.
“The Chief Minister has to speak up,” she said adding “When we can do it, why can’t he? Isn’t his job as a Chief Minister, to represent us and not sit quiet in front of the Prime Minister?”
She brings nothing from home, apart from her markers, paints and other stationery. “I don’t feel the need to bring anything. Everything is provided here,” she said. “There is a constant supply of water, food and snacks. I don’t know who is providing all this food but it reaches me with no trouble,” she said and pointed towards two biscuit packs.
Sruthy’s schedule has been packed for the last couple of days. She visits Marina every morning and stays till about 8 pm, after which she rushes home. “I go home exhausted but it is all worth it when you’re helping to make history,” she said.