News Puducherry

Lakshmi returns to her home in Manakula Vinayagar Temple, receives a jubilant welcome

July 18, 2020
Pranesh Rangan

Lakshmi, the elephant who was displaced from Manakula Vinayagar temple by PETA, has returned to her home in Manakula Vinyagar Temple in Puducherry.

Lakshmi had become synonymous with Puducherry and is considered as an integral part of the Puducherry people.

Lakshmi was taken away from her home by PETA and the Animal Welfare Board, following accusations of mistreating her. They also booked the temple board under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Maneka Gandhi was also involved in this and had requested a safe or location for Lakshmi. This resulted in her forcible removal to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, where her health had started deteriorating. Following this, the Forest department was ordered by Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy to return Lakshmi to the temple.

Attempt to oust the temple elephant Lakshmi

Last month there was a massive conspiracy to oust the temple elephant Lakshmi from the temple. The forest department had decided to keep the temple elephant at the Kamaraj Agricultural Science Center in Kurumbapet for 15 days. But the BJP and other Hindu organizations jumped into protest, claiming that PETA and other dubious elements are behind the act. BJP leader from Puducherry PS. Ganeshan had alleged that PETA was behind targeting the elephant to be taken from the temple. He also alleged that there is a massive conspiracy to remove temple elephants from temples across South India. He even went on a hunger strike to save Lakshmi from PETA.

Lakshmi was taken away unethically and illegally

Ajit Datta, co-founder of Republic Lit Fest, Editor of TFI Post and a resident of Puducherry said that the manner in which Lakshmi was taken away seemed completely unethical and illegal. He said that the Forest Department picked her up on the grounds that the temple failed to furnish the health records of Lakshmi. However, it is the Animal Husbandry Department’s job to maintain the records. He went on to say in his Twitter post that nobody from Animal Husbandry Department was consulted and that the Forest Department failed to take the opinions of veterinarians. It seems that the mahouts were also threatened with consequences if they didn’t let Lakshmi go.

Despite PETA’s claim of ill treatment and the elephant carrying injuries in foot, Lakshmi was made to walk 10 kms to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra campus on tar road. In the centre she has been facing much more agony with scanty food and water and no proper shelter. A fishnet is being used to protect her. On her first night at the temporary shelter, she was almost bitten by a snake.

On June 25, it was reported in a Tamil newspaper that Lakshmi was struggling for life at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. She hasn’t slept for days due to the physical and mental trauma she has been put through at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

United Protests

Lakshmi’s plight invited people from different sections to put a united front to save Lakshmi. Prominent personalities, activities and leader continued to speak out and campaigned for saving Lakshmi from PETA. Hindu Makkal Katchi’s leader Arjun Sampath was also instrumental in this campaign.

 

Congress’ help

Realizing PETA’s involvement to separate Lakshmi from the temple permanently, the Congress party extended a helping hand in the process of bringing Lakshmi back to the temple. Americai V. Narayanan of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee made efforts to save Lakshmi from PETA.

Puducherry Chief Minister Narayanasamy apprised of the matter issued an order to send the temple elephant Lakshmi back to the temple. He also ordered the temple administration to take care of the temple elephant.

Lakshmi’s return home

Following this, Lakshmi was brought back to the Puducherry Manakkula Vinayagar Temple from the Kamaraj Agricultural Science Center in Kurumbapet.

She was accorded a jubilant welcome with people rejoicing her return. Lakshmi upon entering the temple can be trumpeting with joy.

Puducherry BJP functionary P.S. Ganesh bowed to Lakshmi and received Lakshmi’s blessings and welcomed her to Puducherry. Large crowd of Hindus gathered and welcomed Lakshmi.

Puducherry Chief Minister Narayanasamy also welcomed the temple elephant Lakshmi and received blessings from her.

Once again, PETA was sent running helter-skelter.