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PETA at it again: Their next target is Lakshmi

June 29, 2020
The Commune

After the historic student-led Jallikattu protests that made PETA run helter-skelter, they have again returned with a new target. If it was the Jallikattu Bull last time, they have now come for Lakshmi, the elephant.

A few weeks ago, it was reported in The Commune that PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) was trying to oust the elephant Lakshmi from Sri Manakkula Vinayakar Temple in Puducherry. BJP leader from Puducherry PS. Ganeshan had alleged that PETA was behind targeting the elephant to be taken from the temple. It was said that the Forest Department had reportedly decided to keep the temple elephant Lakshmi at Kamarajar Agricultural Science Center in Kurumbapet for 15 days. Knowing this, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Hindu Munnani functionaries went on to protest against this decision to move the temple elephant Lakshmi out of the temple. Following this, the Periyakadai police rushed to the spot and arrested them. The elephant was later taken from the temple as planned and housed at Krishi Vigyan Kendra campus. Lakshmi now finds herself struggling to acclimatise to the new habitat.

PETA’s Propaganda

Now, PETA India has started its online propaganda on Lakshmi. In its propaganda video, it says that Lakshmi is forced to work for hours at a stretch without food and water and is made to ‘beg’ in return for blessing devotees. It alleges that Lakshmi was being ill treated at the temple and that the elephant exhibits signs of abnormal stereotypic behaviour like swaying of head. It goes on to allege that the mahout uses bill hooks to tame Lakshmi.

Although the swaying of head (or weaving) does not constitute normal behaviour, it is not directly harmful either. The swaying of head or weaving is a result of boredom, desolation and frustration. However, elephant care takers ensure that elephants are engaged in interesting and a varied life so that they do not feel bored. The Vedapureeswarar Temple houses all required facilities for Lakshmi with a specially built pond and shed. Contrary to PETA’s claims, Lakshmi has been pampered and is given all the love and attention by her care takers, devotees and temple authorities. She shares a deep connection especially with her devotees and the natives of Puducherry.

 

Lakshmi’s Trauma

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.

Lakshmi 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 goes 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.

Lakshmi has been an integral part of Puducherry since 1997. She has been a part of Puducherry for more than 2 decades and has become one of its identity. She has grown around people who have loved her. PETA claims that they plan to rescue Lakshmi and release it into the wild. Temple authorities and the elephant care takers opine that Lakshmi won’t be able to survive in the wild as she is used to home – the temple.

The temple protection committee, Thirukoilgal Paadhukappu, has now asked Chief Minister V Narayanasamy to intervene and  has criticised PETA and local administration for its dubious actions. According to K Dhakshinamurthy, secretary of the committee, the elephant had all the required facilities at the temple, such as a specially-built shed and a pond.

The Hindu Makkal Katchi has been taking efforts on the ground and online. The hastag #GiveOurLakshmiBack has been initiated to rescue Lakshmi from PETA. Director Mohan G Kshatriyan has also given support to the cause asking PETA to back off. Netizens have now started questioning PETA once again for interfering in the cultural traditions of the Tamizh land.