Misery of Indian elephants
There have been many contradictions in Union Minister Maneka Gandhi’s decisions and opinions. She speaks much vocally against the violence on animals. But then she maintains silence on issues pertaining to violence against people. She bats for animal rights, but is very irritated with human rights activists. In her ecological world, the poor or the labourer or the farmer finds no mention.
She cries buckets if a peacock dies somewhere. But an incident of violent mob lynching does not evoke as much compassion. She has been using environmental issues to further her political career. Such a lady has suddenly woken up to the issue of Bandula elephant in Sri Lanka, which have been kept under captivity since last 67 years. She has now written a letter to the President of Sri Lanka about this, and said the elephants’ foreleg has been injured owing to continuous chaining. “Sri Lanka is a beautiful island. Such sad treatment to elephants does not befit the image of the country” she said in her letter insisting the animals be let free.
Tragedy is, India is one of the countries that metes out worst treatment to elephants. Whatever the country worships as ‘divine’, all that has been under assault for the same reason as they are considered holy. We called our women ‘devi’ and shaved her head to leave her in Vrindavan. If the British didn’t invade us, Sati practice would still be in force now. Ganga river is considered sacred, and the same devotees that pray have caused irreparable damage to the river. People throw half burnt bodies into the river to help the dead attain moksha. This is an insult both to the dead and to the river. Bhakts have shown this cruelty towards the river they worship the most. Media shows us cattle is called ‘mother’ and they are piled inside the Gau Shala to kill them without food or water. Beef was snatched away from the poor owing to religious reasons, and the cattle are starved to death. We wanted to safeguard the sandalwood trees and we ensured farmers don’t get to grow them. Elephants enter the same list.
Elephant has different level of significance in the country. We saw god in this animal. But that does not mean we treat them well. We have been successfully torturing the animal day in and out. Our according of divide status to this animal itself has worked against its interests.Most temples have elephants for their assets because it’s a matter of pride for the place. It is not easy to rear an elephant. They have to be chained and the mahout needs to continuously poke them behind the ears to keep them under control. Kerala has maximum number of elephants in its temples, in the country. About 4000 elephants are being engaged in different rituals and divine purposes in the country. Kerala alone has 500 of them in the state.
A documentary on how animals are tortured to tame them. This had caught the fancy of the whole world. Though the feet of the animals were bleeding, the mahouts continued to kick and poke them. It’s a surprise that this documentary hasn’t reached Maneka Gandhi yet. Forest department usually initiates disciplinary action against monkey rearers, and those who make the bear dance. But the same forest department pretends to not see the exhibition of elephants to add to the attraction factor of their temples. This has not only created trouble for the general public, but also to elephants as well. An elephant had gone berserk on the premises of Krishna Mutt in Udupi recently. Elephants have destroyed public property sometimes. Some have even been killed. While the government organizes Jamboo Savari, one cannot even imagine the loss of life and property in case the elephants get excited or go berserk. Using elephants during religious programmes is not just flouting of wild life act, but also defying the act of human rights as well. Why should people undergo ages of fear despite not doing anything wrong.
Maneka Gandhi needs to get someone to send her a consolidated report on how many elephants exist in temples across the country and how they have been made use of, for false prestige or later may be. The minister should see the video to understand the kind of violence a baby elephant to overgrow should they be tamed. There are people who would kill some men trusting the messages which have no significance. The act of a human being poking them repeatedly, till sometimes they even bleed, why isn’t it seen as a crime? We do have legal framework in this family/nation. Thought there are staffers appointed by the government. But they have failed in safeguarding the interest of elephants as well. Now all those injured elephants which have been treated badly, need to be sent back to forests or into zoos. India needs to come up with a policy that would ensure elephants won’t be ill-treated. After the elephants are rescued from their bhakts, Sri Lanka president may consider Minister Maneka Gandhi’s words seriously.
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Eid celebrated with fervour across Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across Karnataka on Saturday, with thousands of people offering special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In Bengaluru and other major cities, people gathered in large numbers early in the morning to offer namaz, exchanged greetings of "Eid Mubarak", and visited relatives and friends. Markets wore a festive look, with brisk business reported in garments, sweets, and accessories in the run-up to the festival.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, in his message, said, "May this Eid ul-Fitr bring joy, peace, and prosperity to all our citizens celebrating around the nation. As Ramadan month concludes, let us continue to cherish the values of compassion, generosity, and unity. Eid Mubarak to everyone!"
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who participated in a mass prayer programme, extended greetings to the Muslim community and underscored the importance of harmony and compassion.
"Praying for the welfare of humanity is essential," he said.
"Praying for the well-being of humankind is essential, and people should live with mutual love and trust, guided by humanity. India is a country of diverse religions and cultures, and in a nation marked by unity in diversity, everyone must live together harmoniously. No religion preaches hatred; all religions advocate love," the chief minister added.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, in a message posted on 'X', said, "May this Eid bring happiness and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!" Festive meals, including traditional delicacies such as Seviyan (vermicelli) and Biryani, were prepared in households, while charitable acts and distribution of food and alms marked the spirit of the festival across the state.
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