During the height of World War II in 1943, as air raids threatened the safety of the local populace, the mayor of Tokyo issued an order to kill three elephants housed in Ueno Zoo. These elephants, beloved by young children, faced a grim fate due to the fear of their escape during bombing raids.

Children's Petition Snowballs into a Public Campaign in Japan

Moved by the loss of the elephants, children from Japan, including Tokyo, Berlin, Amsterdam, and even a small town in Canada, expressed their unhappiness at the absence of elephants in the zoo. Two seventh-graders initiated a petition addressed to the prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, requesting a replacement elephant. This petition gained significant traction and transformed into a public campaign.

Tokyo children Befriend Himansu Neogy, the Messenger to Nehru

Young Himansu Neogy, an exporter from Calcutta, made a visit to Tokyo and formed a bond with the children there. Upon his departure, the children urged him to intercede with Nehru and request an Indian elephant on their behalf. Neogy took their plea seriously and delivered a pouch containing 815 letters from Japanese children to Nehru's office.

Nehru's Response and the Procurement of Indira, the Elephant

Receiving the heartfelt letters from the children, Nehru directed the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the princely states to obtain an elephant. Eventually, a female elephant named Indira, procured from the princely state of Mysore, was sent to Tokyo. Her arrival in September 1949 at Ueno Zoo brought immense excitement and joy to the people of Tokyo.

Nehru's Message of Peace and Cooperation to the Children of Japan

Nehru took the opportunity to address the children of Japan in a letter, emphasizing the importance of serving their countries and promoting peace and cooperation across Asia and the world. He encouraged the children to view Indira as a messenger of affection and goodwill from the children of India, highlighting the noble and gentle nature of elephants.

Indira, the Symbol of Friendship between Japan and India

Indira, the elephant, became a symbol of the enduring friendship between Japan and India. Her two Japanese handlers learned the Kannada language from Indian mahouts accompanying her from Mysore, enabling them to establish rapport with her. Eight years later, Nehru and his daughter Indira visited Japan and met the elephant named after her.

Berlin's Plea and the Arrival of Shanti, the Elephant of Peace

Similar to Tokyo, children in Berlin also lamented the absence of elephants in their zoo after the devastation of World War II. They wrote letters to Nehru, requesting an elephant. Moved by their plea, Nehru pledged to deliver an elephant for the children of Berlin. In June 1951, a three-year-old female elephant named Shanti, meaning 'peace,' arrived in Berlin.

A Five-Year-Old Canadian Boy's Unusual Request

Even children from a small town in Canada joined the chorus, expressing their desire for an elephant. Five-year-old Peter Marmorek wrote a letter to Nehru, believing that he had numerous elephants and could fulfill their request. Nehru responded, explaining that elephants do not live underground and assuring Peter that he would not forget his polite request.

Nehru's Promise Fulfilled and Ambika's Arrival in Canada

Nehru's promise to the children of Canada became a reality. In 1955, a two-year-old elephant named Ambika was transported from the forests of Madras state to Montreal and eventually to the Granby zoo, fulfilling the children's wish. Peter Marmorek, who had initiated the request, welcomed Ambika and even delivered a speech to celebrate her arrival.

The Enduring Legacy of Elephant Diplomacy

The stories of Indira, Shanti, and Ambika symbolize the unique connections forged between nations through the innocent requests of children. These acts of diplomacy not only brought joy to the children but also fostered international friendships and showcased the power of compassion and goodwill in overcoming historical tragedies.

The demonstrates the profound impact that individuals, regardless of age or nationality, can have on shaping diplomatic relations. It showcases the ability of children's innocent desires to transcend borders and bring nations closer together.