By Nageshwar Patnaik in Bhubaneswar, August 12, 2025: The elephant serves as a metaphor for God. For centuries, a parable has been passed down in which four blind men try to determine the shape and size of an elephant and arrive at varying conclusions. This parable has originated in the Indian subcontinent, with some versions dating back to 500 BCE.

India is home to over 60% of the world’s Asian elephants. They are closely connected with the nation’s cultural heritage, representing wisdom, strength and prosperity. They are ecologically keystone species, and their extinction would hurt entire ecosystems. Nevertheless, their survival is threatened by deforestation, urbanisation and climate changes influencing migration and availability of foods.

India had some magnificent elephants. Arikomban, the tusker, had great intelligence and large tusks. Ganesha, the temple elephant in Kerala, was a cultural icon for decades. Rajagopal, a colossal bull elephant in Karnataka, was admired for his tranquil nature. Balarama, the Mysuru Dasara lead elephant, had the golden howdah on his back for several years. Bijlee, a forest laborer was recalled for her great strength even in advanced age.

Human-elephant conflicts have led to the deaths of 628 people just last year, the highest in the past five years, the Union environment ministry told the Lok Sabha last month. In 2019-20, there were 595 deaths; 479 in 2020-21; 571 in 2021-22; 610 in 2022-23 and 628 in 2023-24. The maximum cases last year were reported from Odisha (154), followed by West Bengal (99) and Jharkhand (87).

Incidences of human-wildlife conflicts have been reported from various parts of the country. In the last decade, nearly 1,000 elephants have died, with approximately 102 elephants dying of unnatural causes each year. Simultaneously, nearly 5,000 people have lost their lives in encounters with elephants, equating to about 493 deaths annually.

World Elephant Day celebrated every year on 12 August is not just a date for wildlife lovers. It is a global appeal to protect one of nature’s most admired yet vulnerable species. This year’s theme, Matriarchs & Memories, honours the wisdom of elephant matriarchs and the dedication of women working to safeguard them.

World Elephant Day was initiated in 2012 to create awareness of the dangers that threaten African and Asian elephants. It brings to attention threats like ivory poaching, habitat loss, man-elephant conflict and exploitation in captivity. The day appeals for collective responsibility to safeguard the gentle giants whose existence ensures that forests and grasslands remain healthy.

Ivory poaching remains a threat to wild herds. Contracting habitats drive elephants into settlements, causing destruction and death. Climate change interferes with their migrating patterns, placing additional pressure on already stress-stricken populations.

On the occasion of World Elephant Day, the famed Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik made this Sand art at Puri beach

India’s Project Elephant, instituted in 1992, focuses on habitat reclamation, anti-poaching and medicine. Elephant corridors are being established to enable safe transit between habitats. The conservation organisations and local communities work together to avoid human-wildlife conflict and ensure coexistence. Public patronage through responsible tourism, contributions and awareness campaigns continues to be essential for their survival.

World Elephant Day 2025 reminds us that elephants are not just beautiful wildlife. They are forest guardians, symbols of strength and living memories of our common heritage. Their destiny lies in today’s decisions.