‘Dhruva Tareya Dikkinalli Prathama Kannadiganagi’ travelogue by C.V. Shashikumar released

Mysore/Mysuru: ‘Dhruva Tareya Dikkinalli Prathama Kannadiganagi,’ a travelogue authored by C. V. Shashikumar, a Mysurean, now residing in New York, was released recently in Bengaluru.

Litterateur Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa received a copy of the book at his residence in Mysuru from Shashikumar.

The coffee-table book has rich photographs of both North Pole (northern end of earth’s axis, lying in the Arctic Ocean, about 725 km north of Greenland)and Antarctica (earth’s southernmost continent). According to the travellers’ registry maintained by the adventure cruise operators, it is said Shashikumar is the first Kannadiga who has travelled these two extreme points of the earth. An avid traveller, Shashikumar has travelled across seven continents covering 45 countries.

Shashikumar has articulated various aspects of journey through ice! The adventure of reaching the North Pole is by the Russian vessel, powered by two nuclear reactors generating 75,000 horsepower and capable of crushing a clear path through multi-year ice up to three metres thick. It is said this is the largest and most powerful icebreaker ever built.

He writes that cruising aboard this marvel of engineering was an unforgettable experience. The book with many pictures (clicked using a thorough professional camera by his wife Sushma) depicts the remote wilderness, including polar bears, spot seals, walrus, and the elusive bowhead whale. The archipelago also hosts an abundance of nesting Arctic seabirds. The travellers had the chance to take a plunge into the icy water at -4 degree Celsius!

Similarly, the book has photo-story of Antarctica, famous for penguins. It is amazing to see in the book the scenery captured in Antarctica —  white mountains, covered by permanent snow and glaciers.

Chief Editor of Vishwavani Vishveshwara Bhat released the book. Well-known Film Director P. Sheshadri was the chief guest. Prof. G. L. Shekar, Hon. Secretary of S. L. Bhyrappa Sahitya Prathishtaana, Mysuru, spoke about the book. Indira Sunder, Publisher, proposed a vote of thanks.

Renowned columnist Srivatsa Joshi has written the foreword of the book. The 144-page book has been published by Sundara Prakashana, Bengaluru and priced at Rs. 500.