Tamil Nadu Govt Announces Rs. 1 Lakh for Elephant Caretakers

Guwahati: The Tamil Government on Wednesday announced that it would give them each Rs. 1 lakh from the CM Relief Fund as a thank-you gift for all elephant carers in the state.

The documentary film “The Elephant Whisperers,” which is based at the Mudumalai Theppakadu Elephant camp won an Oscar in the 95th Academy Awards.

As many as 91 elephant caretakers in the two camps, Theppakkad and Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camps, of the state will receive the money.

Amounts of Rs. 9.1 crore and Rs. 5 crores have been allocated, respectively, to the construction of mahouts’ residences and a “elephant camp” in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.

Moreover, a budget of Rs. 8 crores have been set aside to construct a new elephant camp with minimal amenities in Coimbatore Chavadi.

It may be mentioned that the documentary had beat the movies nominated for the award which were ‘Haul Out,’ ‘How Do You Measure A Year?’ ‘The Martha Mitchell Effect,’ and ‘Stranger At The Gate’ and ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ and bagged the Academy Award.

Expressing her joy over winning the Oscar, Guneet Monga took to Twitter and wrote, “We just win the first ever Oscar for an Indian Production! Two women did this! I am still shivering.”

A family adopted two infant orphan elephants which is the central theme of the movie in Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

Guneet Monga has now brought the Oscar Award to India twice.