The five-day initiative, titled Vantara Gajsevak Sammelan, is currently underway at Vantara’s state-of-the-art facility in Jamnagar, drawing over 100 mahouts and elephant caregivers from across India.
Designed as a comprehensive national-level capacity-building exercise, the programme will enhance hands-on care standards, modernise professional practices, and unite traditional and scientific knowledge to ensure the well-being of elephants under human care. All participants will receive certification upon successful completion of the training programme.
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“This Sammelan is more than a training programme, it’s a tribute to those who dedicate their lives to elephant care,” said Vivaan Karani, Chief Executive Officer of Vantara. “Our aim is to unite traditional wisdom with modern science to build a stronger, more compassionate foundation for their wellbeing. It reaffirms that the future of elephant conservation in India depends not just on policy or habitat—but also on the empowered hands and hearts of their caregivers,” he added.
The event commenced with a welcome and maha aarti at the Radhe Krishna Temple, setting a spiritual tone for the week’s activities. Hosted by the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, the Sammelan offers participants immersive training across several dedicated elephant care zones including the Gajwan, Gajraj Nagari, and Ganesh Nagari.
Under the training programme, caregivers will receive practical, field-based training in areas such as foot care, bathing techniques, positive reinforcement, and traditional Ayurvedic therapies. Alongside these, hands-on sessions and scientific lectures will address crucial topics like elephant biology, stress indicators, common ailments, and emergency responses for recumbent elephants.
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A specific segment of the programme is dedicated to the occupational safety and mental well-being of caregivers themselves.
To promote knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration, the Sammelan includes structured forums for reflection and discussion, offering a rare opportunity for mahouts from different states to exchange insights, troubleshoot challenges, and build a national network of skilled caregivers.
With over 250 rescued elephants and a team of more than 500 caregivers, many of whom were previously in vulnerable circumstances, Vantara exemplifies how ethical, enriched care can transform both animal and human lives. Beyond training, Vantara remains committed to global standards in wildlife care. It is currently hosting an international training programme for forest officials from Congo and has announced two key upcoming events: the National Veterinary Training on Conservation Medicine in August and the National Zoo Directors’ Conference in October.
