Volunteers pitch in to feed jallikattu protesters

Jamuna Easter (33), who had spent the entire night on the beach with her eight-year-old daughter, said that hundreds of women felt completely safe during the protest. “Forget about attacking our modesty, there were strangers offering us blankets and other basic amenities. I want to teach my daughter the importance of standing up for our culture,” said Jamuna. 

Social media acted as the catalyst for volunteers to join the fray Dhilipan M saw posts on Facebook urging volunteers to provide water and food. “I went to the nearest shop and bought 50 food packets, 50 biscuits packets, 50 bread loaves and 300 water packets. By the time I reached the beach, there were many volunteers who were already providing basic necessities,” he said. On Wednesday afternoon, a local businessman even arranged for biriyani. 

“All the food and other basic supplies were stocked at one spot. Someone had even arranged for a cauldron of biriyani,” said S Shyam, a college student who was protesting with his classmates. He added that some people also brought garbage bags to ensure that the beach was not littered with garbage.