Annual award instituted in memory of Dasara elephant Arjuna; first honour to be presented on August 4 at Karnataka's Gajapayana
Forest minister Eshwar B. Khandre will present the award to Bhima elephant's mahout, Gunda, and Kavadi Nanjundaswamy, who successfully participated in elephant and wildlife capture operations in places like Hassan, Sakleshpur, and Kodagu, informed Eshwar Khandre.
Khandre informed that HD Kote MLA Anil Kumar C suggested establishing an annual award in Arjuna's name. Honouring this suggestion, it has been decided to present the "Arjuna Elephant" award during the annual Gajapayana, a traditional journey of tamed elephants to Mysuru city from the woods.
The award will be presented regularly in recognition of the work of mahouts and Kavadis who actively participate in operations to prevent human-wildlife conflict, capture wild animals, successfully conduct these operations, and excel in training and caring for captured elephants.
Arjuna, who was captured during the Khedda operation in Kakanakote in 1968, participated in the Dasara celebrations 22 times and carried the 750 kg golden howdah 8 times. He won the appreciation of the nation for performing a highly demanding job elegantly. The award has been established to ensure Arjuna's name remains eternal, as he sacrificed his life to save forest staff.
The Dasara elephant selection committee selected the names of the duo for the first Arjuna Award.
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