
Suniel, PETA Donate Life-Size Mechanical Elephant to K’taka Temple
In a groundbreaking initiative, Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, along with PETA India and the Committee for the Prevention of Torture to Animals (CUPA), has donated a life-size mechanical elephant to Shri Umamaheshwara Veerabhadreshwara Temple in Karnataka. The innovative gesture aims to promote cruelty-free rituals and ensure the continuation of cultural traditions without harming or distressing real elephants.
The life-size mechanical elephant, named Umamaheshwara, was formally inaugurated at the temple on [Date]. This remarkable gift is expected to enable devotees to participate in temple rituals and ceremonies without causing any harm to real elephants. The mechanical elephant is designed to mimic the movements and gestures of a real elephant, providing an authentic and immersive experience for the devotees.
The initiative is a significant step towards promoting compassion and empathy towards animals. Real elephants are often subjected to physical and emotional distress during temple rituals, which can have long-term effects on their well-being. The mechanical elephant, on the other hand, eliminates the need to use live animals, ensuring a cruelty-free and harmonious experience for both humans and animals.
Suniel Shetty, a long-time supporter of animal welfare, expressed his excitement and pride in being a part of this initiative. “I am thrilled to be a part of this project, which not only promotes compassion towards animals but also helps to preserve our cultural heritage. The mechanical elephant is a testament to human innovation and creativity, and I am confident that it will make a significant difference in the lives of devotees and animals alike.”
PETA India’s CEO, Alokparna Sengupta, also welcomed the initiative, stating, “We are delighted to have played a role in this innovative project. The mechanical elephant is a shining example of how technology can be used to promote animal welfare and reduce animal suffering. We hope that this initiative will inspire others to follow suit and promote cruelty-free practices in their daily lives.”
The mechanical elephant is designed to participate in various temple rituals, including processions, parades, and cultural performances. Its advanced features include gentle movements, lifelike gestures, and a realistic appearance, making it an ideal substitute for real elephants.
The Shri Umamaheshwara Veerabhadreshwara Temple, located in the heart of Karnataka, is an important cultural and religious hub that attracts devotees from across the country. The temple’s priest, Swami Shri Umamaheshwara, expressed his gratitude to Suniel Shetty and PETA India for this thoughtful gift. “We are deeply grateful for the mechanical elephant, which will enable us to continue our cultural traditions without harming any animals. We believe that this innovative solution will help to promote harmony and understanding between humans and animals.”
The donation of the mechanical elephant is a significant step towards promoting animal welfare and reducing animal cruelty in India. With the increasing awareness about animal rights and welfare, it is heartening to see that organizations and individuals are coming together to make a positive impact.
As we move forward, it is essential to continue promoting compassion and empathy towards animals. The mechanical elephant is a testament to human innovation and creativity, and it serves as a reminder that even small actions can make a significant difference in the lives of animals.