Mysore/Mysuru: Journalist Ithichanda Ramesh Uthappa’s four books focusing on the mysteries of the elephant world will be released at a programme jointly organised by KSOU, Karnataka Forest Department, Wildlife Conservation Foundation and Bengaluru’s Akshara Mantapa Prakashana, at KSOU’s Cauvery auditorium in Mukthagangothri campus here at 3 pm on Oct.4.

The books to be released are: Abhimanyu the Great,  Kusha Ki Kahani – A True Love Story, Aane Lokada Vismaya and its English translation The Talking Elephant.

KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar will inaugurate the programme. PCCF (Wildlife) Vijaykumar Gogi will deliver the keynote address. MP Pratap Simha, Mysuru CCF T. Heeralal, Chamarajanagar CCF Manojkumar and Wildlife Conservation Foundation’s Rajkumar Urs will release the books. 

Karnataka State Wildlife Board Member and journalist Vinod Kumar Nayak will speak on the books. Golden Howdah carrying elephant Abhimanyu’s Mahout Vasanth and Photo-journalist Nagesh Panathale will be felicitated by MCDCC Bank President G.D. Harish Gowda on the occasion.

Abhimanyu the Great is about howdah elephant Abhimanyu’s traits and about the bonding between humans and elephants. The book also focuses on the special relationship that Abhimanyu has with his Mahout.

Kusha Ki Kahani’ is about the ‘love life’ of Dubare elephant camp member Kusha.  The foreword for the book is written by Cinema Director Kaviraj, who is also known as a ‘romantic poet.’ Many in the cinema world believe that this book can become a story for films.  

Aane Lokada Vismaya is about the individual success stories of many elephants that have earned global fame for their extraordinary acts.  The Talking Elephant is the English version of Kannada work Aane Lokada Vismaya, which has been translated by writer K.R. Premalatha.