Kerala temple gets life-size mechanical elephant from actor Disha Patani, PETA
Thrissur (PTI): Bollywood actor Disha Patani and PETA India have jointly gifted a life-size mechanical elephant to the Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Temple here, which was unveiled at the shrine on Saturday.
The three-metre-tall, 500-kilogram mechanical elephant, named Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan, was donated to the temple in recognition of its decision to never own or hire live elephants, PETA India said in a statement.
It is the 20th robotic elephant donated to temples in India by PETA India and the 11th in Kerala.
The mechanical elephant was welcomed with an inauguration ceremony and a Panchavadyam performance, the statement added.
It is the seventh such elephant, made of rubber, fibre, metal, mesh, foam, and steel, and powered by five motors, donated to a temple in Thrissur.
Patani said in the statement that every act of kindness brings people closer to a more compassionate world.
"I am very happy that mechanical elephant Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan will now be used for the rituals and celebrations at Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram, so traditions can continue with grace and compassion," she said.
CPI MLA from the Kaipamangalam Assembly constituency, E T Taison Master, welcomed the development, saying that choosing a mechanical elephant is a progressive step that protects both animals and the public.
"Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram has set an inspiring example for Kerala. This compassionate decision ensures safer celebrations while honouring our cultural traditions," he said in the statement.
The President of the temple, Madhu V, also welcomed the mechanical elephant, saying that it "fills our hearts with joy," the statement said.
"This special gift will allow us to perform our rituals with devotion while showing gentle care and respect for all living beings. By embracing this thoughtful innovation, we honour our sacred traditions and celebrate faith, love, and kindness for every creation of God," he added.
PETA said that a mechanical elephant looks, feels, and functions like a real elephant.
"It can shake its head, move its ears and eyes, swish its tail, lift its trunk, and even spray water. It can be climbed upon, and a seat can be affixed to its back. It operates simply by plugging it into an electrical source and can be moved on a wheelbase for rituals and processions," it said.
Smiles, warmth, and joy filled the air as devotees at Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram welcomed Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan, the majestic mechanical elephant.🛕💚@DishPatani #RoboticThodathraKalapattuDeviDasan #MechanicalElephant #Elephants #PETAIndia pic.twitter.com/9hzikIexU8
— PETA India (@PetaIndia) February 14, 2026
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Karnataka to approach SC seeking permission to continue MGNREGA
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided to approach the Supreme Court seeking permission to continue implementation of MGNREGA in the state, contending that the Centre had repealed the rural employment guarantee law without consultation and failed to put in place any alternative mechanism under the VB-G RAM G Act.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the state would immediately move the apex court seeking permission to prepare and implement the annual action plan for rural employment works, while also challenging what it described as an infringement on the constitutional rights of states.
The parliament passed VB-G RAM G in December that replaces MGNREGA.
Patil explained that the Cabinet decided to approach the court seeking permission for the State Government to prepare an action plan in this regard. Since the Centre’s stand interferes with the constitutional rights of state governments, the Cabinet has also decided to challenge this issue before the appropriate court
“There are two points here. One is that they have come in the way of our constitutional right of providing the right to work. That has been halted, and, therefore, the State Government has decided to approach the Supreme Court. The second point is that the Government of India has not provided any alternative,” the Minister said.
The Central Government has not yet issued a notification to implement the VB-G RAM G Act, nor has it made any alternative arrangements and hence continuing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is unavoidable in the public interest, the Minister said.
“Therefore, in the interest of the public, farmers and agricultural labourers, we must continue MGNREGA. For that purpose, the Cabinet has decided to approach the court seeking permission for the State Government to prepare the action plan for this year,” he added.
The Minister also said the Centre had only permitted continuation of pending and spillover MGNREGA works without releasing grants or announcing a fresh action plan.
“The Centre itself has said that pending, spillover and half-done MGNREGA works can continue. That means MGNREGA is actually still functioning in practice. But there is no new action plan,” he said.
Patil said the state had already passed a resolution on the issue, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had written to the Prime Minister and the Rural Development Minister had held discussions with Union Ministers.
Replying to questions, the minister said the state would move court “as immediately as possible.”
He clarified that the state was seeking permission to formulate and implement this year’s action plan under the existing framework.
“What we are asking the Supreme Court is to allow us to have the action plan for this year and implement it,” he said.
The Cabinet also held detailed discussions on the final report submitted by the State Education Policy Commission headed by former UGC chairman Professor Sukhadeo Thorat.
Patil said a Cabinet sub-committee would be constituted to examine the report and recommend measures for implementation.
“No decision has been taken yet. The Cabinet sub-committee will recommend what should be accepted and what should be modified,” he said.
He said the report comprised around eight volumes and covered issues relating to financial implications, human resources, curriculum reforms, deemed universities, unitary universities and newly established universities. The Chief Minister has been authorised to constitute the sub-committee.
The Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Motor Transport and Other Related Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Amendment Bill, 2026, transferring welfare administration of transport-related workers from the Labour Department to the Transport Department.
The Cabinet further approved establishment of three new industrial estates in Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Surpur under the Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation and Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 2026, providing two per cent reservation in state civil services appointments for sportspersons.
