King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom bestowed the prestigious Elephant Family environmental award upon Indian conservationists, celebrating their remarkable achievements in preserving India’s natural world. Filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves, acclaimed for her groundbreaking documentary “The Elephant Whisperers,” and the Real Elephant Collective (TREC), a collective of Adivasi artists, were honored for their outstanding storytelling, unwavering advocacy for coexistence, and dedication to environmental conservation.
During the award ceremony, Kartiki Gonsalves, the talented director behind “The Elephant Whisperers,” received the esteemed Tara Award from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. This award, inspired by the sacred bond between humans and elephants, recognized Gonsalves’ exceptional accomplishments in storytelling and her passionate advocacy for harmonious coexistence. Through her captivating film, Gonsalves portrays the deep connection between humans and elephants, exemplified by the heartwarming story of Raghu, an orphaned elephant from the herds portrayed in TREC’s remarkable sculptures.
The Real Elephant Collective (TREC) was honored with the distinguished Mark Shand Award, named after the late founder of Elephant Family. TREC, an international NGO dedicated to protecting the Asian elephant, received this recognition for its significant contributions to conservation efforts. Not only has TREC’s work garnered acclaim, but it has also paved the way for the establishment of the CoExistence Consortium—an innovative collaborative initiative bringing together local experts, ecologists, anthropologists, geographers, and conservationists to promote harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.
“The Elephant Whisperers,” a globally acclaimed documentary, was awarded the prestigious Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film earlier this year. Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, the film beautifully captures the inspiring journey of an indigenous couple as they nurture and care for Raghu, forming an unbreakable bond with the elephant. Through its compelling narrative, the documentary serves as a testament to the breathtaking beauty of India’s wilderness, the wisdom of tribal communities, and the profound empathy shared between humans and animals in their shared space.
“The Elephant Whisperers” was released in 2022, showcasing Kartiki Gonsalves’ exceptional directorial talent and her dedication to highlighting the intricate relationship between humans and elephants.