In the wee hours on October 20, Sumitra, aka, Sumo, a female elephant, arrived in the city in a lorry, all the way from her home, Tiruchy. She landed at The Little Flower School for the Visually Challenged, where she was a part of the day-long interactive initiative organised by Scope International, to participate in the live animals ‘touch and feel’ stall. When she landed at the venue, she was groomed and readied for the event and was given a refreshing shower, for an entire hour. Sumo enjoyed being pampered so much that the water tank at the school had to be refilled once she was done with her bath!For the 250 visually-challenged children at the school, who have only heard about how elephants look, with big fan-like ears, small eyes and a long trunks to bless, witnessing Sumo in their school was an almost surreal experience. She was the centre of attention at the venue, stealing the limelight, causing the children to squeal and giggle in delightful enthusiasm and curiosity.Sumitra, an authorised, licensed elephant, with due permits has acted in four Tamil films so far, along side stars such as Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Some of her films include Annai Kalikambal, Rajakaliamman (remember the friendly elephant with the huge sunglasses in one of the songs?), and the latest ones being Dindugal Sarathy and Vamsam. And the star elephant is now apparently “waiting for more suitable offers to come her way”, as her mahout says on her behalf. Sumo surely wouldn't be able to narrate the 'wonderful experiences' she has had working with her famous co-actors, but she can do better. She will immediately raise her sturdily long trunk to bless anyone who calls out her name, with undeniable affection. Being such a hit with both the students and the organisers of the event alike, Sumitra will be back on the school campus in two weeks for another such interactive event.
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