Two books on Dasara elephant Abhimanyu released in city

Mysuru: As a tribute to 60-year-old Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, who carried the Golden Howdah in Jumboo Savari for six consecutive times, two books titled ‘Mounada Mahapayana – Abhimanyuvige Olavina Ole’ and ‘Abhimanyuvige Kavyarati – Ambari Veerana Akshara Gourava,’ authored by senior journalist Ithichanda Ramesh Uthappa, were released at an event organised at City Central Library auditorium, People’s Park in Nazarbad this morning.

The programme was jointly organised by Mysuru Cultural Association, Forest Department, City Central Library and Akshi Prakashana, Mysuru.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya said that the books on Abhimanyu is a tribute to wildlife.

Noting that animals are very sensitive by nature, she said the Ambari elephant, who has been retired, is a very sensitive pachyderm and the two books brought out in its honour are a befitting tribute to the howdah elephant.

The elephant’s Mahout Vasantha too deserves praise as he guided the Dasara jumbo with elegance and grace for years, she said adding that the event is both a poetic and picturesque   tribute for Abhimanyu.

Noted wildlife photographer Krupakar said that both the books are an emotional tribute to Abhimanyu, which narrate the importance of wildlife.

DCF (Wildlife) Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda said he initially believed that the books were a narrative of the birth and achievements of Dasara elephant Abhimanyu. But after reading them, he felt that the books were an emotional and poetic tribute bidding farewell to the 60-year-old elephant.

Lauding Mahout Vasantha for transforming the aggressive elephant into a calm and cool one, he said that Abhimanyu will remain strong and energetic as ever, even though he has been retired from carrying the Howdah. He wished that Abhimanyu continues its life journey in the forests with all care he deserved.

Mahout Vasantha, who was felicitated on the occasion, said that everyone should read the books written in tribute to Dasara elephant Abhimanyu.

Asserting that taming of wild elephants is not an easy job, he called upon every citizen to watch the majestic march of Dasara elephants in Mysuru.

City Central Library Deputy Director B. Manjunath, Kannada and Culture Assistant Director Dr. M.D. Sudarshan, Mysuru Cultural Association President A.P. Nagesh, Secretary Mahadev, author Ramesh Uthappa and others were present.