Elephant Conservation

India is known for venerating the creatures of all hues and this has been the civilizational import and imperative of the Indian national identity where all living species are valued. The reason being the Indian value system that lays emphasis on the presence of the same Divine light in all souls, be it animals or humans. This has been vindicated on the World Elephant Day 2025.This can be gauged from the views of the Union Minister for State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh while inaugurating the World Elephant Day 2025 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Emphasizing the India’s unwavering commitment to the elephant conservation, he said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is pioneering a sustainable future for elephants by combining cutting-edge technologies like AI, remote sensing, and geospatial mapping with traditional knowledge to protect their habitats. India’s commitment to elephant conservation is not merely a policy choice, but a reflection of our civilizational values and ecological responsibility.” He underlined that with 33 Elephant Reserves, 150 scientifically identified corridors, and nearly 60% of the world’s wild elephant population thriving within its borders, India has emerged as a global exemplar of harmonious coexistence—where legal protections, scientific planning, and cultural reverence come together to safeguard the future of its National Heritage Animal. Elephants are accorded the status of National Heritage Animal and hold a revered place in India’s culture and traditions. Underlining the civilisational, cultural and ritualistic importance of the elephants for India by saying that India’s connection with elephants runs deep, rooted in religion and culture. From ancient cave paintings in Bhimbetka to temple rituals in South India, elephants embody strength, wisdom, royalty, and good fortune. Revered as the form of Lord Ganesha, elephants have inspired Indian art, scriptures, and everyday life, reflecting a timeless coexistence between humans and these majestic creatures. Tamil Nadu, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, sustains a sizeable elephant population and plays a critical role in mitigating conflicts between people and elephants. The Coimbatore event brought together foresters, policymakers, wildlife experts, civil society organisations, and conservationists to exchange knowledge and strategies that foster elephant conservation while addressing the challenges of human-elephant coexistence. On this occasion Gaj Gaurav Awards were conferred to the individuals for their exemplary contributions in elephant conservation and management from Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Main highlight of the event was the release of the document “Healthy Feet, Healthy Elephants: A Guide to Foot Care in Captive Asian Elephants”, which provides insights and practical recommendations to improve foot health in captive elephants through better hygiene, preventive care, early diagnosis, and capacity building of caregivers. A nationwide awareness campaign was also initiated, engaging approximately 12 lakh students from about 5,000 schools to spread awareness about elephant conservation and the importance of harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife. A Workshop on Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) was organised, bringing together representatives from elephant range states to share field experiences, best practices, and innovations for conflict mitigation. Discussions covered habitat management, corridor protection, community engagement, and capacity building in high-conflict areas. The initiative aligns with the objectives of Project Elephant, which promotes a participatory, science-based approach to elephant conservation. The celebrations in Coimbatore underlined India’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav spirit, uniting government agencies, civil society, and citizens in reaffirming the nation’s pledge to protect elephants — ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving forest ecosystem and a secure home for the National Heritage Animal. This symbolises the India’s ancient value system in which both humans and the beasts have existed  together in harmony and shaped the place consciousness, aesthetics and  cultural imagery.