Thousands marched 45 kilometers in Kolhapur to demand the return of beloved elephant Mahadevi from Gujarat’s Vantara facility to her spiritual home at Nandani’s Jain math. The heartfelt protest has prompted Chief Minister Fadnavis to promise talks to address the community’s emotional plea.
Pune | 04 August, 2025: In a stirring display of love and devotion, thousands of people from Kolhapur’s Nandani village trekked 45 kilometers to the district collector’s office, their hearts set on bringing their beloved elephant, Mahadevi, back home. Carrying life-sized cardboard cutouts of the gentle giant, the marchers, many of whom are followers of the Jain math in Nandani, expressed their deep connection to Mahadevi, who was relocated to Vantara, a rescue facility in Gujarat, following a Supreme Court order. The emotional protest has caught the attention of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has pledged to hold discussions to explore solutions, giving hope to a community yearning for their cherished companion’s return.
Mahadevi, known as Madhuri at the Vantara sanctuary, holds a special place in the hearts of Nandani’s residents. For them, she is more than an elephant—she is a symbol of their spiritual and cultural life, deeply woven into the fabric of the Jain math. The decision to move her to Jamnagar, driven by concerns over her care conditions, has left devotees heartbroken, as they believe she was thriving in their care. The march, a powerful testament to their bond, culminated in a memorandum submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, urging authorities to reconsider Mahadevi’s relocation.
The issue has sparked a broader conversation, blending emotion, spirituality, and politics. The community’s determination has pushed the state government to act, with Fadnavis committing to a meeting to explore legal pathways for Mahadevi’s return. The Vantara facility, meanwhile, has acknowledged the devotees’ sentiments, engaging with the Jain math’s leadership to find a balance between Mahadevi’s well-being and the community’s wishes. For the people of Nandani, this is not just about an elephant but about preserving a connection that brings meaning to their daily lives.
As Kolhapur’s streets echoed with the marchers’ resolve, the protest highlighted the power of collective action driven by love. The community’s unwavering spirit has turned Mahadevi’s story into a rallying cry for respect, compassion, and dialogue. With discussions set to begin, the people of Nandani hold onto hope that Mahadevi will soon return to her spiritual home, where she is cherished as family.
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