Coimbatore : "If having a soul means being able to feel love, loyalty and gratitude, then animals are far better off than humans", says A. Karim Sait, a Muslim by birth who propelled by the love of his elephants now lives in a Hindu temple as a mahout.
Coimbatore : "If having a soul means being able to feel love, loyalty and gratitude, then animals are far better off than humans", says A. Karim Sait, a Muslim by birth who propelled by the love of his elephants now lives in a Hindu temple as a mahout.
Karim Sait, the 51-year-old mahout of 21-year-old female elephant 'Athinayaki' of the Alwarthirunagari Temple in Tirunelveli is the only Muslim among the mahouts at the rejuvenation camp for temple elephants that commenced in Thekkampatti on December 15.
"There is no religious discrimination at the camp. My love for her is beyond religion. I put my heart and soul to take care of her and decorate her with passion. I have been with Aathinayaki for the past 19 years and she is part of my family. Religion has never stopped me from serving her ,” expresses Karim Sait.
Sait, a native of Tuticorin says that three generations of his family have worked as mahouts in Tuticorin,Tirunelveli and Virudhungar districts. His grandfather and few of his relatives not only worked as Mahouts but even owned elephants.
Now Karim's son Abbas (23) an AC mechanic by profession is also a part-time mahout for a temple elephant named Kumudavalli.
Karim's love for Aathinayagi is very unique. He does not permit anyone to get closer to Aathinayagi because she would feel perturbed. Her customised medications are taken care by Karim who understands even the smallest gesture by Aathinayagi.
Abbas recalls that, doctors diagnosed Aathinayagi with an acute respiratory disease and marked a deadline for her life. "Devastated by the news, my father too fell very sick. Luckily, both my father and Aathinayagi survived the sickness. It's a miracle!” he adds.
"It was not just medication that cured her. It was my father's love and compassion on her. Initially, she was treated by Dr. K.C. Panicker. The doctor sensed that only medicines cannot cure Aathinayagi's sickness. Hence, he accorded my father consent to take care of her full time. The emotional bond between them grew stronger. They are inseparable", Abbas recalled the nostalgic memories.
"I did not pursue my education after fifth grade. There were more than 5 elephants in my house. My curiosity and love for them prompted me to accompany them while they were taken for temples and marriage functions. In my days up close with the elephants, I also started learning how to control them and understand how they communicate,” says Karim.
Karim pointed that muslim mahouts serve in temples like Thiruchendur, Srivilliputhur, Madurai and many other temples. Sure, Karim's life has proved the famous quote "In every religion there is love, yet love has no religion".
Not just for the elephants but the elephant rejuvenation camp at Thekkampatti gives a much-needed break for the Mahouts too. On December 14, the 11th Elephant rejuvenation camp was inaugurated at Thekkampatti. The ongoing, 48-day camp has become a hot picnic spot for the public, especially children.
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