Who is Lakshmi?

Lakshmi (as named by her custodian) is an elephant tied up outside Sri Manakula Vinayagar (Ganesha) temple, in White Town Puducherry.

She is constantly chained and socially deprived to collect money from pilgrims in exchange for a pat on the head (so-called blessings). From her expressions, one can clearly feel her deep sadness (see the video clip.)

Through an order dated 4 June 2020, the forest department established that the temple is violating the law by not providing for the basic needs of Lakshmi and hence, she must be sent for rehabilitation.

Steps undertaken so far to free Lakshmi:

Sent a letter to Puducherry’s Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor to set Lakshmi free from bondage. 

PETA India and The Animal Welfare Board of India has repeatedly asked the state government to rehabilitate her but the temple refuses to give her up and continues to use her for begging. 

Having received no response, PETA India has filed a Petition in the High Court to shift Lakshmi to the rehabilitation centre. 

It's high time we stop CRUELTY against animals in India. The least we can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

I really hope you will join hands with me to help Lakshmi earn her freedom and have a chance to live a normal elephant life with her own kind. Please sign the petition and share it widely. 

Take action and report to Puducherry’s Chief Minister N.Rangaswamy cm.pon@nic.in and Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan lg.pon@nic.in /Tweet @LGov_Puducherry to set Lakshmi free from bondage

Thanks & Regards,

Sneha 

(on behalf of Lakshmi)

Hashtags for the campaign:

#TakeAStandforLakshmi #BondageFreeLakshmi