I read numerous books about how taking care of nonhuman animals (animals) is also good for our own well-being. Few have moved me as deeply as Sangita Iyer's riveting and inspirational new book Gods in Shackles: What Elephants Can Teach Us About Empathy, Resilience, and Freedom—a woman's personal journey of courage and transformation.1,2,3 I'm thrilled Sangita could answer a few questions about her epic journey. Here's what she had to say.
Marc Bekoff: Why did you write Gods in Shackles?
SI: In an ancient country that is believed to revere and worship elephants, I was shocked and appalled by the barbaric cruelty inflicted upon an animal that is considered the embodiment of Lord Ganesh—a Hindu God with an elephant face. Through my book, Gods in Shackles, I shed light on the stark paradoxes that I witnessed during the production of my film, Gods in Shackles. Aside from exposing the unimaginable agony and distress that these supremely intelligent and social animals suffer in captivity and isolation, my book also draws the parallels between India’s mistreatment and abuse of women and that of elephants, and indeed all animals.
Gods in Shackles is also a deeply personal journey that delves into my suffering caused by a traumatic childhood, growing up in a patriarchal culture. The pervasive attitudes and behaviours are also responsible for the suffering of elephants. My ultimate goal in writing this book is to help people understand that we need to heal ourselves first in order to become resilient enough to heal others, including the elephants.
MB: How does your book relate to your background and general areas of interest?
SI: I combined my background in biology, Master's degree in environmental education and communication, and news production to produce documentaries, transitioning from broadcast journalism. In 2014 I returned to my home state of Kerala, where I reconnected with my soul animals, who were part of my childhood upbringing. I was utterly devastated to witness these elephants with blood oozing out of their ankles and ghastly wounds all over their body, tears flowing down their face. These majestic animals were cruelly shackled in short chains and ruthlessly paraded beneath the scorching sun, deprived of food and water. As a videographer, I gathered more than 25 hours of footage and I knew I had to expose what I had witnessed.
Gods in Shackles is a feature film that blows the lid off glamorous festivals that perpetuate barbaric abuse of captive elephants that are exploited for profit behind the insidious veil of culture and religion. The film was nominated at the United Nations General Assembly, and has garnered multiple film festival awards.
In 2018, I received the National Geographic storytelling award and the coveted title of Nat Geo Explorer, which helped me to produce the 26-part Asian Elephants 101 series that world premiered on multiple Nat Geo channels between August and October of 2021.
All of these experiences catapulted my life in a whole new direction. Through my sojourns into the making of the film evolved my book, Gods in Shackles, that not only expounds on the scenes that were edited out, but also the egocentric attitudes and actions that I believe will eventually lead to self-destruction.
MB: Who is your intended audience?
SI: Everyone who loves animals and has some empathy in their hearts will be drawn to my book. In particular, the millennials have become proactive in recent years, inspired by the great Greta Thunberg, and the climate strike movement. Forest elephants of Africa have been proven to be climate mitigators, and their cousins, the Asian elephants would naturally perform the same functions in the forest ecosystems. So those involved in any kind of environmental, conservation, animal rights, women’s rights, biodiversity, and related causes will be drawn to my book. The book also has a spiritual flavour, and I think people yearning to discover their deeper purpose will also be drawn to it.
MB: What are some of the topics you weave into your essay and what are some of your major messages?
SI: The story of Gods in Shackles is about how I bonded with elephants, who are physically very different from human beings, and about how I was able to find a deeper connection to my life and experiences through these highly intelligent animals. Grounded in ecopsychology, ecofeminism, systems biology, and ancient wisdom, the book offers unique perspectives on how to end feelings of isolation and find solace in the natural world. It also cultivates awe and appreciation of Earth’s creatures and fosters mutually beneficial (symbiotic) relationships for peaceful coexistence.
Gods in Shackles is a rare, adventurous memoir that takes readers through emotional roller coaster rides and nail-biting moments. I explore the many setbacks and the darkest nights that made me want to give up. But I somehow mustered my strength to go through the seemingly insurmountable challenges as I began to transform into the human being I was meant to be. I open up to my readers, and discuss how I dealt with my struggles and my demons in very surprising and unconventional ways; there are many lessons for other people in similar circumstances.
I also elaborate on the successes after my Gods in Shackles film was released and the traction it received. By making myself vulnerable, I hope people feel safe enough and realize that they needn’t be perfect, and that they are never too late to pursue their deeper calling.
MB: How does your book differ from others that are concerned with some of the same general topics?
SI: Gods in Shackles is a unique hybrid comprised of the elements of memoir, spirituality, and ecological science. It takes readers through a profound journey while also inspiring them to harness nature’s wisdom, and helps them connect with their innate potential and unique gifts. Developing a bond with the natural world will help readers to foster stewardship of the Earth, which is of paramount importance given the unprecedented changes the Earth is currently experiencing at the hands of humankind.
MB: What are some of your current projects?
SI: After the release of my film, I felt I needed to implement practical projects to save the Asian elephants in their last bastion. I created a 501C3 called Voice for Asian Elephants Society, not only to educate and empower the people of India to protect the endangered Asian elephants, but also to create sustainable human communities.
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