Date:06/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/06/stories/2008080661341100.htm

National

Campaign to save the serpent

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

NEW DELHI: Supermodel Jesse Randhawa and Salsa dancer Sandip Soparrkar are the latest celebrities raising their voice for the voiceless. Posing for the latest PETA India advertisement taken by photographer Ashok Salian, Jesse is transformed into a “snake” in a bodysuit designed by Gavin Miguel, while Sandip “charms” her with a flute.

Asking people to be mindful of the cruelty that cobras, vipers and other snakes have to undergo, the advertisement is part of a campaign to save snakes from the abuse of snake charmers. Through the advertisement this dynamic duel wanted to use this opportunity to illustrate the difference between performing by choice and performing by force.

Even though the Indian Wildlife Act of 1972 banned these cruel displays, many people blatantly disregard the rules in an effort to make a profit.