World Elephant Day was celebrated at KVG Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Sullia, in association with the Karnataka Forest Department, Subrahmanya Sub-Division, Mangaluru Division, on 12 August 2026 to create awareness about elephant conservation and human-elephant coexistence.
The programme was presided over by Kum. Bhagirathi Murulya, MLA, Sullia who spoke about human-elephant conflict and the need for effective solutions.
On the occasion, the Forest Department released a handbook titled “Anegala Loka” (The World of Elephants), focusing on human-elephant coexistence and awareness about elephant conservation.
The resource person for the programme, Dr. Avinash K. V., Head of the Department of Agadatantra, KVG Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, delivered an informative presentation on the lifestyle, behaviour and conservation of elephants.
Mr. K. M. Mustafa, President of Sullia Urban Development Authority, extended his greetings and shared a few words on the occasion.
Officials and individuals who contributed to controlling human-animal conflict were felicitated, followed by an interactive discussion between forest officials and public representatives.
Dignitaries included Mr. Ravishankar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Dakshina Kannada, Mr. Prashanth Kumar Pai, Assistant Conservator of Forests; and Dr. Leeladhar D. V., Principal, KVG Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Sullia.
The programme was welcomed by Mr. Manjunath,ACF. The prayer was rendered by Rahul and team, students of the college. Dr. Dhanya Bailady, Assistant Professor, Department of Agadatantra, KVG Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Sullia, served as the Master of Ceremony. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Niranjan Shetty, ACF.
The programme was attended by forest officials, college staff and students, farmers, and school students. The event served as a meaningful platform to promote elephant conservation and peaceful human-elephant coexistence.
