Mysuru: The city’s own amateur conservationist, who is also a local Corporator, reached a milestone yesterday by catching 33,000 snakes.
M.S. Balasubramaniam — popularly known as ‘Snake Shyam’ — recorded his 33,000th catch since he started keeping a count of the number of snakes caught and rescued by him since 1997.
The number was reached at the house of Jayabai, a resident of Chamundeshwari Railway Layout. A huge cobra had taken shelter at her kitchen and Shyam was called to rescue it.
Ask for Balasubramaniam and the name does not strike a resonance among Mysureans. But ‘Snake Shyam’ is instantly recognised as the friendly and affable snake catcher, who rushes to remove the slithery reptile from one’s backyard. The timely action of Shyam has saved the lives of thousands of snakes as well as human beings
Shyam has been featured in the National Geographic channel, which made a special documentary on this naturalist on wheels a few years ago.
congratulations SHYAM. He has saved those former freindly ruptails ! When people are afraid to even touch those .more than that he don’t charge for that kind act. When you call him ,his request is only to watch that area so that he can try to catch it more easily .he may be at any part of the town he will rush to the spot and help people by his own transportation . More than that he wants to educate particularly children that is amazing ! He is the proud son of this great city of MYSORE. Take care freind .many cities require more shyams like you .your parents were proud of you .