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Sonu Sood & Son Gift Mechanical Elephant to Chennai Temple with PETA

Actor Sonu Sood and his son Ayaan have gifted a life-size mechanical elephant named Airavatham to the Sri Sakthi Vinayagar Temple in Chennai. The initiative, done in partnership with PETA India and PFCI, supports the temple's decision to not use live elephants in ceremonies. Sonu Sood stated the gift allows sacred traditions to continue without causing suffering to animals. His son Ayaan, a recipient of PETA's Compassionate Youth Award, expressed pride in helping ensure ceremonies are safe and compassionate.

Key Points: Sonu Sood Gifts Mechanical Elephant to Chennai Temple

  • Ethical alternative to live elephants
  • Partnership with PETA India
  • Supports temple's progressive policy
  • Ayaan Sood's compassionate award
  • Continues sacred traditions without suffering
2 min read

Sonu Sood, son Ayaan gift mechanical elephant to temple in Chennai

Actor Sonu Sood and his son Ayaan gift a life-size mechanical elephant to a Chennai temple, supporting ethical ceremonies with PETA India.

"Temples are places of compassion, faith, and humanity. - Sonu Sood"

Chennai, March 2

Actor Sonu Sood and his son Ayaan have gifted life-size mechanical elephant to Sri Sakthi Vinayagar Temple in Chennai.

The father-son duo partnered with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and People for Cattle in India (PFCI) to gift Airavatham to Chennai Temple, supporting an initiative that "honours the temple's progressive decision to never hire or keep real elephants for ceremonies."

Speaking about the initiative, Sonu in a press note said,"Temples are places of compassion, faith, and humanity. When devotion and kindness walk together, divinity shines. I am grateful to support the gifting of this mechanical elephant, Airavatham, so that sacred traditions can continue without causing suffering to any living being. May this initiative bring blessings to devotees and freedom to the elephants."

Ayaan Sood, winner of PETA India's Compassionate Youth Award, added, "I feel honoured to be part of gifting Airavatham to Sri Sakthi Vinayagar Temple. By supporting this initiative, we are helping ensure that sacred ceremonies continue in a safe and compassionate way, while real elephants remain free in their natural homes with their families."

Sonu has been actively involved in philanthropy through his charity club, focusing on education, skill development, healthcare access, and crisis relief, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative, but I hope the temple authorities maintain it properly. We've seen many such gifts end up rusting in a corner after a few years. The intent is fantastic, but execution and upkeep matter just as much.
A
Aman W
Sonu Sood continues to win hearts! From helping migrants during lockdown to now this. Teaching his son about compassion from a young age is wonderful parenting. A real-life hero, not just on screen.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves Indian culture but is concerned about animal welfare, this is the perfect blend. Tradition can evolve. "Airavatham" is a beautiful name too, from the mythology. Hope this sets a trend.
V
Vikram M
I appreciate the sentiment, but will devotees accept it with the same reverence? The presence of a living, breathing elephant has a certain *bhavna* (emotion) for many. The mechanical one might feel... artificial. Change takes time.
K
Kavya N
This is fantastic! Elephants in temples often face terrible conditions - chained, not fed properly. This is a modern solution for an ancient practice. More power to PETA India and PFCI for pushing such ideas. 👏

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