Shabna Sulaiman, First Muslim Woman From Kerala To Be A Mahout

Shabna Sulaiman is the first Muslim woman from Kerala to become a Mahout. Shabna has to just whisper a command and tusker Manisheri Rajendran goes down on its buttocks. Manisheri Rajendran belongs to the Ottappalam Kappur elephant property. Malappuram Kadalundi native has trained the tusker Rajendran for the past two weeks. Shabna and the tusker have developed a strong bond. Shabna fed Rajendran with sugarcane, and watermelon and won his heart.

The 27-year-old can make the tusker make Rajendran sit, stand, turn around and raise its trunk and trumpet, indicating an instinctive way with animals. At first, it was difficult for Shabna to handle the tusker. But Shabna used everyday language and a conversational tone with the tusker to bond. She also didn't use chains or hooks and managed to create a bond with him. Shabna told Kerala Kaumudi "It was not with stick or beating but with love I have conquered his mind."

Key Takeaways:

• Shabna is taking training at the renowned Varikkassery Mana in Ottappalam in Palakkad district.  Varikkassery Mana houses several elephants.
• Shabna is doing research on elephants. She thought a much better way to learn about elephants would be by being close to them. Shabna will soon start the second phase of her training.
• Sulaiman's family owned a circus in the past. This was the major reason why her family loved animals.

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About Shabna Sulaiman

The 27-year-old Shabna is taking training at the renowned Varikkassery Mana in Ottappalam in Palakkad district.  Varikkassery Mana houses several elephants. Shabna will be the mahout of Manisheri Rajendran at the upcoming festival at the temple of Palakkad district.  If this happens, Shabna will become the first woman mahout from the Muslim community in Kerala. Shabna is a medical professional from Dubai who has currently taken a break from her job.

"It is not an easy task for a woman to handle an elephant. But Shabna is very enthusiastic and skilful and she has learnt the basics easily. The training will continue for some more days."

Shabna is doing her research on elephants. She thought a much better way to learn about elephants would be by being close to them. Shabna will soon start the second phase of her training. She told the Times of India “I am excited about the temple festivals. Hopefully, in those situations, I can learn a lot more in handling elephants." Haridas a native of Ottaappalam told TOI "It is not an easy task for a woman to handle an elephant. But Shabna is very enthusiastic and skilful and she has learnt the basics easily. The training will continue for some more days."

Shabna's family owned a circus in the past and everyone in her family loves animals. She told TOI “It was after a tragic incident -- my father's brother was killed by a tiger during a training session -- that my grandfather sold off the circus company." She further added "But our family members still have a special affinity towards animals. When I expressed interest to train as a mahout their response was very positive. There was some opposition from my community, but I decided to go ahead."

Picture Credit: The Wall

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Mansi is an Intern at SheThe People.TV