Gods in Shackles

Elephants are self-aware, conscious beings. They can forge strong bonds and grieve the loss of elephants and humans alike. But despite all empathy that elephants shower on humans, we continue to inflict pain and suffering on these caring, sentient beings. In 2013 Sangita Iyer visited her childhood home of Kerala, India, where over 700 Asian elephants, owned by individuals and temples, were forced to perform in crowded, noisy festivals. These gentle creatures who people claimed to revere were chained, abused, and exploited for the entertainment of tourists and for profit. When she found herself in the presence of these divine creatures and witnessed their suffering firsthand, Sangita felt a deep connection to their pain. She too had been shackled and silenced by her patriarchal upbringing in India and by the many "me too" moments in her work life that were swept under the rug. Now she speaks up for elephants, herself, and anyone who has been suppressed, inspiring with her story of healing, perseverance, and hope. Her work to save elephants has saved her. --