Green Update
Padma Shri awardee, actor, and MP Hema Malini and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) have donated a life-size mechanical elephant to ISKCON Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, the 2nd largest ISKCON temple in Asia, making it the first ISKCON temple and the first religious institution in Maharashtra to welcome a mechanical elephant. Hema Malini and President of ISKCON Kharghar Sura Das unveiled Gajendra in the presence of Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Panvel Prashant Thakur, dignitaries and temple devotees. Das said: “In the Bhagavad Gita (5.18), Lord Krishna teaches us to see all living beings with equal vision. Protecting animals—dear to Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha—is our dharma.” He added: “A mechanical elephant allows us to honour our traditions while upholding the principle of ahimsa (non-violence). By embracing a mechanical elephant, we align with Krishna’s teachings of love, devotion, and care for all creatures.” The mechanical marvel that will be used to conduct ceremonies at ISKCON Kharghar in a safe and cruelty-free manner, helping real elephants stay with their families in their jungle homes.
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