Guwahati: Terming the elephants as very intelligent, sensitive and social animals, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated two-day Gaj Utsav-2023 at Kaziranga National Park in eastern Assam on Friday. President Murmu, who arrived in Bokakhat on Thursday with a three-day Assam visit schedule, graced the annual festival organized jointly by the State forest and tourism departments to promote elephant conservation and protection initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu stated that humans should have the same sense of sympathy & respect for elephants and other living beings like humnas themselves. She added that elephants have been most respected in Indian tradition. It has been considered a symbol of prosperity. It is the national heritage animal of India. Protecting elephants is an important part of India’s national responsibility to preserve the national heritage, said asserted.
There is a very sacred relationship between nature and humanity. The culture of respecting nature has been the identity of India where nature and culture have been linked to each other and have been receiving nourishment from each other. The actions which are in the interest of nature, animals & birds, are also in the interest of humanity and Mother Earth, commented the first citizen of India.
She also highlighed that forests and green areas of Elephant Reserves are very effective carbon sinks. Hence it can be said that all of us will be benefited by the conservation of elephants and it will also help in facing the challenges of climate change. Participation of society along with the government is necessary in such efforts, added President Murmu.
Arguing that the human-elephant conflict remains an issue for centuries, President Murmu pointed out that the responsibility of this conflict lies with the human society. She noted that protecting elephants, conserving their natural habitats and keeping elephant corridors free from obstruction are the main objectives of Project Elephant. Solving the problems related to human-elephant conflict is also the aim of this project.
Speaking about Kaziranga and Manas national parks in the State, the President noted that Assam has the second largest population of wild elephants in the country. So Kaziranga is a very apt place for organizing the Gaj-Utsav. President Murmu stated that for the success of Project Elephant and Gaj Utsav, all the stakeholders should have to move forward together.
President Murmu in presence of Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, State chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with other dignitaries, also enjoyed cultural programs comprising Bhortal, Jhumur and Bihu dances by Assamese artistes at Kohora. Earlier the President took a jeep safari inside the Kaziranga forest reserve in the morning hours.
