Count Me In Too! Monkey Crashes Gujarat Census Workshop

A routine Census training session in Gujarat’s lush Dang district turned into an unforgettable moment after an unexpected visitor quietly walked into the auditorium, a monkey that seemed eager to attend the workshop alongside teachers.

The unusual incident, which took place on May 21 at a university campus in Waghai , has now gone viral across social media platforms, drawing laughter and amusement from viewers nationwide.

In the now widely shared video, the monkey can be seen comfortably perched on a chair inside the hall where teachers had gathered for a Census-related training programme . What caught everyone’s attention was the animal’s calm and almost human-like behaviour. At one point, it sat with its legs resting on the shoulder of a female teacher, who remained composed despite the surprise encounter. Holding a notebook or bundle of papers over her head, she quietly waited as others around her chuckled and recorded the moment on their mobile phones.

Far from creating panic, the monkey’s presence transformed the otherwise serious administrative workshop into a light-hearted and memorable gathering .

The video was first shared on Facebook by primary school teacher and digital content creator Gaurang Patel, who later clarified that such incidents are not uncommon in Dang , a district known for its dense greenery and rich wildlife presence .

According to Patel, the monkey likely wandered into the auditorium because a door had accidentally been left open during the session. He also stressed that nobody disturbed the animal and that it behaved peacefully throughout its brief visit.

“No one harmed the monkey, and it did not harm anyone either. After spending some time inside, it calmly walked away on its own,” Patel explained in a follow-up video message.

While some social media users criticised the incident as a lapse in arrangements, many others viewed it as a harmless and even heartwarming reminder of the close coexistence between humans and wildlife in forest regions like Dang.

The timing of the viral moment is significant, as Gujarat is preparing for the first phase of Census 2027 beginning June 1. Government officials will soon undertake door-to-door house listing exercises across the state as part of the nationwide enumeration process.

But before the counting officially begins, it seems Dang’s most curious resident already made sure it wouldn’t be left out.