September 22 is Elephant Appreciation Day!

I am from the Northeast of India, and the elephant is an important animal not only in North Bengal, Assam and surrounding states, but also in jungles throughout India. Elephants are hugely important in our History and culture. So why can’t we Indians get together and make September 22 a Gigantic Calendar Event?

Many annual celebrations have a long, storied history and carry huge global significance. Is Elephant Appreciation Day one of them? Probably not.

Created in 1996 by Mission Media, a graphics and publishing company, the day’s origins are largely based on owner Wayne Hepburn’s personal fascination with elephants. His interest, in turn, began when he received an elephant paperweight as a gift from his daughter. Despite its somewhat ridiculous back story, the day has received some official recognition.

That said, elephants are certainly worthy of some appreciation from all of us. They are, after all, the largest land mammals in the world and sadly, many species of elephants face the threat of extinction, due to environmental factors and the ivory trade.

So what should you do to celebrate Elephant Appreciation Day? Well, just about anything elephant-themed. A trip to the zoo, a family viewing of a DVD about elephants like ‘Dumbo the flying elephant’ – the possibilities are endless.

So  come on, blow your trumpets, let’s celebrate pachyderms!

Shiva Pradhan, Hill Cart Road, Siliguri, North Bengal

  animals, elephants, wildlife