Shriya Saran gifts mechanical elephant

Actress joins animal rights group to donate life-size robotic elephant, promoting cruelty-free traditions at prominent Kanpur temple inauguration event

Actor Shriya Saran, in collaboration with PETA India, has donated a life-size mechanical elephant to ISKCON Kanpur, marking a significant step towards promoting cruelty-free religious practices. The installation makes the temple the first in North India and Uttar Pradesh to adopt a robotic elephant instead of using live animals.

Named Gajaraja, the mechanical elephant was unveiled during a ceremony attended by temple authorities, dignitaries, and devotees. The initiative recognises the temple’s commitment to not owning or hiring live elephants for rituals or events.

PETA India facilitated the donation as part of its ongoing campaign to encourage ethical treatment of animals in religious spaces. This is the 26th robotic elephant donation supported by the organisation across India.

The unveiling ceremony also featured cultural performances, celebrating the blend of tradition with compassionate innovation.