Abstract:

A Photographer known as “The Elephant Whisperer,” Anand is known for his unique ability to communicate with and calm traumatized elephants. Anand becomes their “friend” and by his kindness and gentle speech & touch is able to communicate with the elephants.Anand says, "It is the elephant who struck the first conversation with him and taught him how to whisper to Elephants". Anand makes no claim to any special abilities. What is extremely touching is how "Photographer Anand" becomes an “Elephant Whisperer”, as he learns to communicate with an elephant by watching their ears, eyes, trunk explorations, hearing their rumbling sound & guessing the leg stamping of elephants. He keenly observed their behavior and admired their sense of intuition and caring for their Baby Elephants. In order to save their lives, Anand creates a bond with the elephants; he came to realize that they had a great deal to teach him about life, loyalty, and freedom. Anand Shinde’s Office work transfer for more than 2 years gave him the wonderful opportunity to explore the human-elephant connection.His emphasis is on how we approach an Elephant, how we touch and how we talk. His desire is to show that Power of Speech & touch in particular, brings us into harmony with Elephants. Understanding what an elephant is going through allows him to become more deeply engaged and attuned with the Elephant. Anand says, "He has experienced magical moments while being around with Elephants and Elephant is a social animal".

About the Speaker:

Anand Shinde has put in 14 years of photojournalism and was working with the Deccan Chrolocle. He has worked with several dailies in the past including Hindustan Times, DNA, Dainik Bhaskar, and the Maharashtra Times. He has also done stints with the Chitralekha Magazine and USP Age Magazine. Anand Shinde has been the recipient of the ‘Better Photography Portrait’ Award 2004, Lakme fashion Moment-of-the-Year award 2008,The Godfrey Philips Bravery Award 2010, Mumbai Moments Award 2011, Two Awards in Excellence in photography Mumbai Moments 2012, MFI YES BANK NATIONAL PRESS PHOTO AWARD 2013.