Parannur Nandan is a 40-year-old elephant living in the southernmost Indian state of Kerala. 

Like other pet elephants, Parannur Nandan has two names. The first name "Nandan" is given by its owner custodian, which means pride and joy. The second is the name of the home village, in this case, "Parannur." 

So Parannur Nandan is naturally the pride and joy of his village. Nandan has a dedicated team to look after him, especially the children who love him so dearly.

All members of Nandan's care-taking team live in the same village. One of them is Porinju who told Assignment Asia: "Every morning I come to see Nandan. He's a good-natured elephant, always happy. I come twice daily. Sometimes if I don't have work, I'll come thrice to see him." 

Kerala is unique in its obsession for elephants. The state has about 400 to 500 privately-owned elephants. Apart from keeping elephants as pets, the state also uses them for public events and religious rituals.  

Some owners even send their elephants for Ayurveda treatment where the giant mammals undergo detoxification, and are treated to nourishing foods and medicines. 

(Cover image via VCG)