"A memory that will last forever": Suriname envoy to India Jairam celebrates World Elephant Day at Jaipur's 'Hathi Gaon'
Jaipur, August 12
Elephants adorned with traditional ornaments and attire participated in a special ramp walk at Amer's 'Hathi Gaon' in Jaipur on Wednesday to mark World Elephant Day. The elephants were later treated to a grand feast of fruits.
The Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Suriname to India, Hanisha Jairam, was present at the event.
Responding to a question from reporters about what memory she would take back from the visit, the Ambassador said that the experience would remain with her forever.
Jairam said, "This is a memory that will last forever and which I will also pass on from my experience to my people in Suriname. Just to share the vibes and the good habits we celebrate here in India, even with animals. So that is great, that is great."
Responding to another question from reporters about what else she had seen at the event, Jairam said she got an opportunity to witness firsthand the wisdom associated with elephants.
"We have always heard that elephants are the wisest, but today I got to see it, and I am going to talk about it and tell the people in my country about it," she said.
When reporters asked whether she had previously witnessed an elephant ramp walk, cake-cutting ceremony, or fruit festival associated with the celebration, Jairam said the experience was new for her.
She said, "So before coming here, everyone was saying that they were going to cut a cake, there would be a fruit festival, and a party. So we were thinking that yes, maybe they will just walk past. But they all know what needs to be done, so they are very wise. Yes, and it is a blessing to be here, actually."
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's elephant conservation efforts, saying the country is home to more than 60 per cent of the world's wild Asian elephants on World Elephant Day.
He said elephants have remained an important part of India's ecological heritage.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "On World Elephant Day, we celebrate the majestic elephant, which has remained an integral part of India's ecological heritage. It is gladdening that India is home to over 60% of the world's wild Asian elephants."
PM Modi said India has 33 Elephant Reserves that provide habitats for elephants and strengthen efforts towards their long-term conservation.
He also appreciated the contribution of forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts, and local communities involved in elephant conservation efforts.
"Our nation has 33 Elephant Reserves, which provide habitats for elephants and strengthen our efforts towards their long-term conservation. We are also proud of all forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts, and the local communities who are integral to all such efforts," the post read.
World Elephant Day, observed annually on 12 August, highlights the need for sustained global action. India's conservation efforts address habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and human-elephant conflict.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Ambassador's reaction is so genuine! It's adorable how she was surprised that elephants actually know what to do during the ramp walk. Hathi Gaon has always been a special place - I remember visiting as a child and seeing these gentle giants being so well cared for. We need more such events that showcase our rich heritage to foreign dignitaries.
While this is all good and lovely, I hope we're also focusing on the real problems - elephant corridors being destroyed, train accidents killing elephants, and human-elephant conflict in states like Kerala and Odisha. Celebrations are nice, but the 33 Elephant Reserves need proper funding and protection from encroachment. Just saying what many of us are thinking.
As someone from Jaipur, I can say these celebrations are really special for us. The mahouts and their families take such good care of these elephants - they're like part of their family. The ornaments and traditional attire they wear are passed down through generations. So glad to see the Suriname Ambassador enjoying it so much! 🙏
India's connection with elephants goes back thousands of years - from Lord Ganesha to the royal elephants of Rajasthan. The fact that we have 60% of the world's wild Asian elephants shows our commitment to conservation. Kudos to PM Modi for highlighting this and to all the forest workers and mahouts who work tirelessly for these beautiful animals.
The Ambassador said "This is a memory that will last forever" - that's exactly how I felt when I first saw elephants doing their ramp walk at
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