Mysuru: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre will inaugurate the Memorial of much loved Dasara elephant ‘Arjuna,’ who died in a wild elephant taming operation, at Balle Elephant camp in H.D. Kote taluk of the district and situated within the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, tomorrow.

Elephant Arjuna who carried the Golden Howdah during Dasara Procession for 9 years, including 8 successive years, was retired from Dasara duties in 2020 after he completed 60 years of age. He also served as a Nishane Elephant in 2023. Arjuna had been taking part in Mysuru Dasara since 1990. Arjuna was caught in a Khedda operation that took place at Kakanakote in 1968.

Arjuna died during a wild elephant taming operation when he was attacked by a wild tusker near Yesalur in Sakaleshpur taluk of Hassan district on  Dec. 4, 2023. His last rites were performed at a grove in Dabballikatte near Yeslur.

Subsequently, the Forest Department decided to build Memorials for the elephant at Dabballikatte where he was buried and at Balle Elephant Camp where it belonged to. Now with the completion of the Memorial at Balle Elephant Camp, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre is scheduled to inaugurate it tomorrow (June 23).