By Sangita Iyer | Executive Director
I’ve just returned from one of the most soul-stirring journeys of my life.
It was August 2023 when one of the most horrifying tragedies unfolded in Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. A pregnant elephant—majestic, innocent—was struck by a speeding train. Her body was dragged over 100 meters, and in that unthinkable moment of impact, her unborn baby was flung from her womb, torn from life before it even began. I stood on that very track soon after, the scene etched into my memory. And in that moment of unbearable grief, I made a silent vow:
Never again!!
On April 3rd, I returned to that very location. But this time, it was with a mission—and with hope. We installed 20 second-generation EleSense LIVE devices right where that mother and her baby lost their lives. Present at the inauguration were forest officials, railway officials and of course our own Founder, Sangita Iyer, as well as our local partner, SNAP Foundation (as seen in one of the images below). Local media provided news coverage on regional channels.
EleSense isn't just an ai-based technology. It is an Elephant Guardian, a life-saver. And it is already working. Our inbuilt cameras have captured elephants safely crossing the tracks—alive, protected, free. This is the future we dreamed of. And YOU made it possible.
A quiet revolution is taking place in India’s forests—and you are at the heart of it.With your support, EleSense LIVE, our AI-powered, real-time detection system, is now saving lives before disaster strikes. It has four sensors, including thermal and motion, as well as GPS tracking, and instant alerts to train drivers. Between January 2023 and December 2024, more than 1,240 potential collisions with elephants have already been prevented. That’s 1,240 elephants who will never know the fear or pain of what happened in Chapramari.
We’re not just protecting elephants. We’re honoring a sacred bond. We’re telling every mother, every calf: You matter. We see you. We will not let you die in silence. This system is a lifeline—especially as we expand into the deadly corridors of Buxa Tiger Reserve and beyond.
So today, from the deepest place in my heart, thank you.
Thank you for standing with us in our darkest hour.
Thank you for turning heartbreak into hope.
Thank you for giving the elephants a second chance at life.
But there is still so much more to do. Please, help us keep going. Together, we are writing a new story—one where compassion prevails and no unborn elephant is ever torn from this earth again.
Once again, our heartfelt gratitude from all of us at VFAE, and Trumpets of Gratitude from our beloved elephants.
Sincerely,
Sangita
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