Mysuru: Dasara elephant Balarama, which made headlines in the past for carrying the Ambari (Golden Howdah) majestically during the Jumboo Savari more than a dozen times, will make headlines once again when the jumbo will formally release its own biography.

The book, titled ‘Aane Banthondaane – Balaramana Gajapayana,’ originally written in English (Balarama’s Story – An Elephant’s Journey) by Alladi Jayasri and D.K. Bhaskar and translated into Kannada by C.R. Naveen, will be released by Balarama after the inauguration of Dasara Cultural events at Mysore Palace premises by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Oct.10 at 7 pm.

Speaking to media persons at Pathrakarthara Bhavan in city recently, noted dancer and Kuchipudi exponent Dr.  Veena Murthy said Alladi Jayasri and Bhaskar had written this book  in English inspired by the life of Dasara Elephant Balarama which has successfully taken part in Dasara festivities for more than 20 years including 13 world famous Jumboo Savari carrying the Golden Howdah on his back.

The English version of the book was released at Dallas, Texas, USA, last month, during AKKA 10th World Kannada Convention. The Kannada book, published by the Kannada and Culture Department, will be released by 60-year-old Balarama in the presence of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy  and a galaxy of dignitaries, she said.

The 60-year-old Balarama was rescued at Kattepura in H.D. Kote taluk in 1978. He is housed at Mathigodu Elephant Camp under Nagarahole forests in Kodagu district, according to Dr. Nagaraj, the caretaker of Dasara elephants for the last 20 years.

Dr. Veena said that Mysuru Royal family is worshipping Goddess Chamundeshwari and Elephants from time immemorial. The family has been playing a significant role in conservation of forests, elephants and wild animals. This book depicts the journey of elephant Balarama from forests to the human habitat. It explains about the relationship between humans and elephants to young readers.   Balarama is also described as the symbol of spiritual energy that carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed inside the Golden Howdah on its caparisoned back.

The authors have likened Balarama to Gajendra, the mythological elephant which prays to Lord Vishnu when it was caught by a crocodile.   The book also provides information about Balarama’s Mahout Sannappa who piloted him for many years. Now Balarama is under the care of Mahout Thimma and Kavadi Papu.  Veterinarian Dr. Nagaraj, Janachethana Trust President Prasannagowda and Music Director Karthik Sharma were present during the press meet.

Dance Ballet: The dance ballet titled ‘Gajagowrava-Balaramana Kathe’ choreographed by Dr. Veena Murthy will be performed after the book release. Over 30 dancers will enact the role of Balarama, Drona, Mahout Sannappa, Goddess Chamundeshwari and other characters.