The Indian short documentary feature The Elephant Whisperers created history by winning the most coveted cinematic award, the Oscar 2023 for the Best Documentary Short Film trophy at the 95th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Indian politicians from North to South sent warm wishes to producer Guneet Monga and the entire team of the Elephant Whisperers for their historic win.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin appreciated the actors in the short documentary, Bomman and Belli and rewarded them with a cheque of Rs 1 lakh each. Notably, The Elephant Whisperers portrays the story of a South Indian couple, Bomman and Belli who take in an orphan elephant named Raghu and devote their lives to its care.
A total of 91 elephant caretakers in Theppakaadu and Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp will also receive Rs 1 lakh each from the CM relief fund as a token of appreciation.
Indian politicians react to The Elephant Whisperers winning Oscar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the team of The Elephant Whisperers for the win and wrote, “Congratulations to @EarthSpectrum, @guneetm and the entire team of ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ for this honour. Their work wonderfully highlights the importance of sustainable development and living in harmony with nature.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin wrote in a tweet, “Congrats to Kartiki Gonsalves &@guneetm on winning the #Oscar. No better news to wake up to than two women bringing the first-ever Oscar for an Indian production. The patient-making and the moving story of the #ElephantWhisperers deserve all the praises & accolades it’s getting.”
“Heartiest congratulations to @EarthSpectrum @guneetm and the entire team of ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ for winning the Oscar. These two women have made India proud with their heart-warming showcase of the beauty and importance of wildlife conservation,”read a tweet by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.
