Mysuru Cultural Association to urge State Govt.

Mysuru: The first death anniversary of famed Dasara elephant Arjuna was observed at the Institution of Engineers, Mysuru Centre on JLB Road in city yesterday, under the slogan ‘Arjuna Mareyuvudenthu Ninna’ (Arjuna, how can we forget you).

The demand for declaring Arjuna as a ‘Martyr’ and building a memorial for him in the city also gathered steam, with a resolution to urge the Government in this regard.

Mysuru Cultural Association had organised this memorial programme, during which the participants reminisced about Arjuna, who met his tragic end exactly a year ago on Dec. 4, 2023, during an operation to capture rogue elephants at Dabballikatte Forest area in Yesalur range, Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district.

Arjuna, who was the favourite among Dasara elephants for having carried the Golden Howdah during Jumboo Savari, the piece-de-resistance of Nada Habba Mysuru Dasara, was even an expert in capturing wild animals.

It was resolved during the programme to also name a part of Mysore Palace after him and build a memorial in city also.

Retired Forest Officer T. Balachandra, who spoke on the occasion said, it would be wise, if the demand for calling Arjuna as ‘Martyr’ came into fruition.

Forest Department Veterinarian Dr. Nagaraj said “I have participated in 85 elephant capturing operations in 21 years of my service. In the year 2014 alone, a whopping 22 elephants were captured in Hassan district, with Arjuna in the lead of the operation.”

He also recalled the circumstances that led to the selection of Arjuna as successor of howdah elephant Balarama in the year 2012.

“Arjuna was short tempered but won over all for his attractive built, wide forehead and the majestic walking style, that made him eligible for howdah elephant,” recalled Dr. Nagaraj.

Dr. Nagaraj and Arjuna’s mahout Sanappa alias Mahesh were felicitated during the programme.

A.P. Nagesh, President of Mysuru Cultural Association, Convener and journalist Ithichanda Ramesh Uthappa and others were present.