A rare relation between Cochin Devaswom board elephant Ravipuram Govindan and his caretaker Rahul

KOCHI: Ravipuram Govindan, an elephant of Cochin Devaswom Board is now at the house of businessman Rahul. He was brought here for rejuvanating treatment on June 1. Rahul has taken over the lifelong care of the elephant. There is a story behind Rahul's love for Govindan.

Two years ago, Rahul met Govindan at Thrippunithara Poornathrayeswara temple. He placed a bunch of bananas on elephant's trunk and thus began their friendship. Rahul became a regular visitor, 60 year-old Govindan's medical expenses have been borne by Rahul for two years. He bought a bolero jeep to deliver food and medicine to Govindan. Three employees were also appointed to take care of him.

The rejuvanating treatment is done at the backyard of Rahul's ancestral home.The house was given to mahout and his helpers for accommodation. Rahul is not an elephant lover and has no idea about other elephants.

Govindan is one of the six elephants of the Cochin Devaswom Board brought from Bihar. Govindan is like a family member to me. I can't get separated from him, says Rahul.