A Lifelong Mission to Free India’s Elephants
From ancient bonds to modern solutions, we’re on a mission to preserve elephant habitats and foster peaceful coexistence.
Our Humble Beginnings
Voices for Asian Elephants (VFAE) was founded by Sangita Iyer, whose connection with elephants began at the age of three in Palakkad, Kerala. A childhood encounter with a majestic bull elephant sparked a lifelong curiosity and love for these animals. This bond deepened as Sangita grew older, asking difficult questions about the shackles on the elephant she adored. This early fascination evolved into a mission to free elephants from captivity and suffering.
In 2016, during the production of the documentary Gods in Shackles, it became clear that awareness alone wouldn’t be enough. VFAE was born with a dual mission: to raise awareness and take direct action to improve the lives of endangered Asian elephants. Sangita’s journey—from biologist to filmmaker to advocate—has culminated in this organization that seeks to inspire and drive change through a powerful blend of science and storytelling.
.jpg)
Why Asian Elephants?
Asian elephants are a keystone species essential to the survival of forest ecosystems. With less than 40,000 left worldwide—20,000 in India alone—their habitats are shrinking due to human encroachment. These gentle giants are critical to seed dispersal, air purification, and carbon sequestration, making them vital climate mitigators. Their declining population, particularly among male elephants, poses a serious threat to the species’ survival.
The future of these "gardeners of the planet" is tied to the health of forests and the well-being of countless other species, including humans. Protecting elephants means protecting our shared environment.
Our Mission
Voices for Asian Elephants (VFAE) combines science, storytelling, and technologies like AI, robotics, and GIS to protect endangered Asian elephants, restore and rewild their habitats, and safeguard migration corridors. By partnering with grassroots organizations, and providing tribal communities with resources for vital sustenance, we promote harmonious coexistence to those living alongside these majestic creatures.
1
Create elephant corridors and restore lost habitat to protect Asian elephants by partnering with grassroots organizations and tribal communities
2
Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict by equipping forest-edge communities with training, resources like flashlights for safe coexistence, and youth programs to foster empathy and inspire conservation efforts.
3
We harness the power of cutting-edge AI-based EleSense technology to prevent train collisions with elephants and tragedies on the notorious Indian Railways
4
We are rewilding the occupied land on the forest fringes by planting elephant-friend saplings and creating waterholes, while employing tribal people and creating economic empowerment
5
We implement robotic technology to replace "live" elephants with robotic elephants so that the rich Indian culture can thrive and elephants don't have to suffer
United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals
​
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. Read more about the SDGs here.
The SDGs build on decades of work by countries and the UN, including the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
VFAE Mission Aligns with
UN Sustainable Development Goals
#04
​
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
#08
Decent Work and
Economic Growth
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work opportunities.
#13
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change by reducing emissions and building resilience to its impacts.
#15
Life on Land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of ecosystems, manage forests, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss.
How you can help
"Elephants represent the best of nature. They are wise, family oriented, they understand what death is, they make plans,. They are better than us. Help save the Asian elephants, and the forgotten elephants of Odisha. Please donate to VFAES.org. I'm thanking you in advance with all my heart."
