A life-size mechanical elephant named Airavatham has been gifted to Sri Sakthi Vinayagar Temple in the Chennai region of Tamil Nadu by renowned actor Sonu Sood, his son Ayaan Sood, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India), and People for Cattle in India (PFCI). 

Airavatham was unveiled in front of temple devotees, S.S. Murugan IOFS, the chairman of the temple, and B.S. Reddy IOFS, Chief General Manager of the Ordinance Clothing factory in Chennai. To enable genuine elephants to remain with their families in the wild, the mechanical elephant will be utilized to perform ceremonies at the temple in a cruelty-free and safe manner. 

In honor of the temple’s humane choice to never possess or employ live elephants, PETA India and PFCI organized the effort. Airavatham, the new mechanical elephant, is the second mechanical elephant donation made possible by PFCI in Tamil Nadu. With this development, 21 robotic elephants have been donated nationwide by PETA India. An inauguration ceremony and performances by Chenda Melam, Silambattam, Nadhaswaram, and Kolattam were held to welcome the mechanical elephant.

Animal sympathy is a well-known trait of the Sood family. “Temples are places of compassion, faith, and humanity. Divinity radiates when kindness and devotion coexist. I am appreciative of the donation of this mechanical elephant, Airavatham, to preserve holy customs without endangering any living thing. May the elephants gain freedom and devotees receive blessings from this endeavour,” said Sonu Sood.

 “I feel honored to be part of giving Airavatham to Sri Sakthi Vinayagar Temple. By endorsing this project, we are contributing to the safe and humane continuation of traditional rituals while actual elephants continue to live freely in their natural habitats with their families,” said Ayaan Sood, the recipient of PETA India’s Compassionate Youth Award.

Elephants are social, clever, and active natural creatures. They are trained in captivity to be employed in processions through force, beatings, and the use of weapons. Because they are chained to concrete for hours on end, the majority of elephants kept in captivity in temples and other locations have terrible foot issues and leg injuries. The majority lack access to sufficient food, water, veterinary care, and any kind of natural living. Many elephants become extremely irritated under these terrible circumstances and lash out, frequently killing mahouts or other people or animals. 

Mechanical elephants weigh 500 kg and stand three meters tall. They are powered by five motors and composed of steel, rubber, fiber, metal, mesh, and foam. A mechanical elephant has the same appearance, feel, and functionality as a live elephant. It can lift its trunk, wag its tail, move its eyes and ears, shake its head, and even squirt water. They can have a seat attached to the rear and be climbed atop. All it takes to operate them is to plug them in and experiment with electricity. They can be moved and pushed about for ceremonies and processions because they are mounted on a wheelbase and can be carried through the streets. 

A great initiative indeed!!

Priyanka Dutta