Elephant Madhuri: Jamnagar-based Vantara India on Thursday announced that it is ready to set up a dedicated facility in Nandani village, Kolhapur district, for elephant Madhuri, to ensure her proper care. Madhuri, who had been living at a local Jain monastery for over three decades, was recently relocated to Jamnagar following a court order — a move that sparked protests among locals.
Respecting Local Sentiments
Speaking at a joint press conference with Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya, head of the Nandani Jain Muth, Vantara CEO Vivaan Karani said that neither Vantara nor its founder Anant Ambani had any intention of hurting the sentiments of Kolhapur’s people.
“We can build a home for Madhuri here, so she can live among her own people. Whatever facilities are needed, Vantara, the Muth, and the Government of Maharashtra can create them locally to ensure her complete care,” Karani stated.
Joint Court Application
Karani confirmed that Vantara and the Muth will file a joint application in court to bring Madhuri back. Muth chief Pattacharya added that discussions were “positive and fruitful,” and Vantara has agreed to set up the facility.
Also read : Vantara to Build Rescue Centre for Elephant Madhuri in Kolhapur, Says CM Fadnavis
Support from the Chief Minister
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the state government and Vantara would join hands in a Supreme Court petition seeking Madhuri’s return to the monastery.
Madhuri’s Background
The 36-year-old female elephant, also called Mahadevi, had been with the Shri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Jain Muth in Nandani for over 30 years. On July 16, the Bombay High Court ordered her relocation to Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar after an NGO raised concerns about her deteriorating health and psychological stress. The Supreme Court upheld the order on July 25.
Protests in Kolhapur
Following her relocation, thousands of people joined a silent march in Kolhapur demanding Madhuri’s return to the monastery.
