YAANAI THIRUVIZHA”: A CELEBRATION OF TAMIL NADU’S ELEPHANTS
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), is hosting a two-day celebration of “Yaanai Thiruvizha” (Gaj Utsav) in Guindy Auditorium in Guindy National Park, Chennai from February 7-8, 2025.
This grand event marks the culmination of a year-long campaign celebrating and advocating for the magnificent Asian elephants in India. Launched in Coimbatore on 12th August 2023, Elephant Day, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government, this campaign has traversed 16 corridors across 6 districts. Through partnerships with six local NGOs and government bodies, we have successfully reached over 19,000 people.
The GajUtsav Campaign, led by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), aims to secure the Right of Passage for Asian elephants through community mobilisation and stakeholder consultation. In recent years, these majestic species have faced increasing conflicts and threats due to human activities and habitat degradation. The GajUtsav Campaign addresses these challenges, striving to create a positive future for these iconic animals.
The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu,Dr. K Ponmudy, along with the Principal Secretary to the Govt. Tamil Nadu, Dr. P. Senthil Kumar, Chief of Forests (HOFF), Thiru. Srinivas R. Reddy, and Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) Thiru. Rakesh Kumar Dogra, and dignitaries from Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Care Earth Trust. Distinguished guests from the Legislature, District Administration, Forest Department, and civil society were also present.
This was followed by the felicitation of ‘Conservation Heroes’ comprising of twenty individuals and three groups who have made outstanding contributions to elephant conservation efforts.
The festival brings together a diverse group of experts, dignitaries, artists, environmentalists, and the general public to discuss the critical need for elephant conservation, the role of elephants in Tamil culture, and the urgent necessity for sustainable governance. It explores themes like Gaja Shastra (balancing governance and conservation), Gaja Dharma (the elephant in religious texts), and Airavata (elephants in literature). Gajotsava is a cultural evening highlighting elephants in art, music, and dance, while Gaja Gamini looks at their role in Indian cinema.
In addition to thought-provoking discussions, the event showcases captivating elephant-inspired art pieces created by local artists using sustainable and recycled materials. An illustrated map highlighting Tamil Nadu’s elephant corridors is also on display, emphasisng the urgent need to protect these crucial migratory routes.
By celebrating elephants through art, culture, and dialogue, the Yaanai Thiruvizha seeks to foster a deeper connection between people and elephants, while advocating for the urgent need to protect these iconic creatures for future generations.
Dr. K. Ponmudy, Hon’ble Minister of Forests, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, said, “The joint efforts of the TN Forest Department, WTI, and other NGOs gathered here today are vital in conserving elephants and supporting communities near their habitats. Let us learn, share our experience stoday and tomorrow and use it for long term conservation purposes. Our Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. Stalin, has stressed the importance of protecting all wildlife, including elephants and that Tamil Nadu is at the forefront of conservation.”
He continued, “5 crore has been allocated for a 10 km fence in Thondamuthur, Coimbatore. Rangers must remain vigilant in identifying and resolving elephant conflicts promptly.”
Dr. P. Senthil Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Govt. Tamil Nadu, said, “Rapid urbanisation is a major challenge. The Tamil Nadu government is utilising modern AI technology to monitor elephant movements on railway tracks and prevent fatalities.’”
Thiru. Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) said, “This is a landmark initiative by WTI to promote elephant conservation. India has a rich history of coexisting with elephants for over 2,000 years. The Tamil Nadu government has notified five elephant reserves, implemented transparent death audits, established an elephant conservation centre, and deployed Kumki elephants to mitigate conflicts. Additionally, we are strengthening capacity-building efforts by training staff in-house and sending them to Thailand to learn best practices. Tamil Nadu remains at the forefront of conflict management.’