Elephant well-being

The report, “ >SC seeks report on abuse of elephants at Pooram ” (May 6), reminded me of a report published in April, “Gods in chains: SC to decide on plea to ban elephants in temples”. There is an urgent need to ban the practice of mixing large crowds and a large group of elephants. The risk devotees and onlookers are exposed to must also be considered.

Many years ago, my family, which included children, visited the Guruvayur temple. One of the caparisoned elephants which was carrying a priest holding a replica of a deity suddenly went amuck. We all had to run inside the temple and take shelter. The animal could only be subdued by two other elephants.

A.J. Venkatasubramanyam,

Chennai

The report reminded me of an incident that occurred several years ago when my young daughter, accompanied by her grandmother, visited the Srirangam temple. The temple elephant was made to kneel in front of the main deity and play the mouth organ.

My daughter, and much to her grandmother’s annoyance, walked out in protest over the act of cruelty that went in the garb of worship. One hopes that the Supreme Court eventually bans the use of elephants in temples, religious functions, processions and other events.

Srinivasan S. Papakurichi,

Bengaluru