The Bond of Compassion: Alam and Ganga's Story of Survival and Dedication at Manas National Park

Learning to walk on village road

The forest is a world of wonders, where humans and wildlife thrive harmoniously. Individuals who embrace the wild as their own are responsible for preserving this balance. Among these stories is that of Ganga, a patrolling elephant at Manas National Park, whose journey is one of resilience and love. Alam.

In July 2007, Ganga, then an orphaned elephant calf, was rescued from the raging waters of the Beki River. It was only a few weeks old, and her condition was critical. Forest officials, including Pabitra Das (Forester-I) and Md. Alam (a mahout), stepped in to save her. The Range Officer entrusted Alam with the calf’s care, a task he accepted wholeheartedly.

Alam transformed his humble mahout camp into a nurturing sanctuary for Ganga. He gave up his bed to make space for her in his small room. The two shared a simple thatch bed, one side for Alam and the other for Ganga. In accordance with the veterinarian's recommendation, he provided her with warmth, milk, and care, feeding her 10 liters of milk every six hours. Her recovery was also aided by massages and traditional medicines administered by Alam each day.

Approaching River Water Following Alam

As soon as Ganga was rescued, she bonded with Alam. In a gesture of trust and comfort, she placed her trunk over him at night to feel his presence. It was Alam's dedication to her trunk that never wavered despite the physical toll it took.

As Ganga grew stronger, she ventured beyond the camp, exploring village roads and markets with Alam by her side. Her recovery marked the beginning of her training to become a patrolling elephant. Over two and a half years, Alam and his assistant patiently guided her transformation, combining gentle care with structured training. Even the wild animals are privy to love and affection. Once Ganga recovered fully, she adopted Aalam as her own and followed her companion everywhere.  At night, Ganga would her trunk over Alam to feel his presence. 

Alam, a mere human, was unable to carry the load of an elephant's trunk over him the whole night and he often removed it. But, Ganga, the baby calf would immediately react and forcefully put her trunk on him. She cared for him and they had a strong bond. 
After two weeks Alam got another assistant to support Ganga during the day.  With proper care, love and affection Ganga grew up.  Within one year Ganga like to move the local market , villagers' home following Alam. After two and half years Alam trained Ganga like other captive elephants. Now Ganga has become a matured and faithful patrolling elephant based at Katajhar Antipoaching camp under Bansbari range of Manas National Park with Alam. Both Ganga and Alam are happy. I hope good health and future for Alam and Ganga.

Village visit 

Ganga is ready for Patrol with Alam 

www.bonfire.com/debas-campaign/

Taking bath with  Alam