(This article is authored by Alar)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a memorable encounter with the stars of the Oscar-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers' on Sunday. He visited the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and met the mahout couple, Bomman and Bellie, who have a special bond with two orphaned elephants, Raghu and Ammu.

The documentary, produced by Guneet Monga and Kartiki Gonsalves, tells the story of how Bomman and Bellie adopted the baby elephants after their mothers were killed by poachers. The couple raised them as their own children and taught them how to survive in the wild. The film won the Best Documentary Short at the 95th Academy Awards in March.

PM Modi shared several pictures of his interaction with the couple and the elephants by took to his social media handles on Sunday. He wrote, "What a delight to meet the wonderful Bomman and Bellie, along with Bommi and Raghu." The Prime Minister also fed sugarcane to the elephants and caressed them. He also shared few carousels with the baby elephants, writing, "With the majestic elephants at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve"

He also met with the anti-poaching watchers of the reserve who were instrumental in capturing a tiger alive. He appreciated their efforts in conserving wildlife and protecting biodiversity.PM Modi's visit to the elephant camp was part of his two-day tour of Tamil Nadu and Kerala ahead of the assembly elections. He also took a safari in Bandipur Tiger Reserve where he spotted elephants, spotted deer and gaur.

With the majestic elephants at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. pic.twitter.com/ctIoyuQYvd

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2023