Mysuru
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has urged Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy to give a dignified and royal farewell to 60-year-old Captain Abhimanyu by allowing the veteran elephant to participate in this year’s Mysuru Dasara Jumboo Savari.
In a letter to Ramalinga Reddy, Khandre, who served as the Forest Minister in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet, said Captain Abhimanyu, who has carried the 750-kg golden howdah six times, enjoys an enormous fan following across Karnataka. Rather than abruptly dropping the veteran tusker from the Dasara festivities, the government should allow him to participate as the Nishane Aane (flag elephant) and give him a grand farewell befitting his stature and contribution.
The Vijayadashami Jumboo Savari is the crowning attraction of the world-famous Mysuru Dasara. Over the years, elephants participating in the procession have developed a special bond with the people of Karnataka, while the golden-howdah bearers have earned an even deeper place in public affection.
Khandre said the decision to keep Captain Abhimanyu away from this year’s Dasara has come as a shock to his lakhs of admirers. The veteran elephant has not merely been a participant in the grand procession but has become an enduring symbol of Mysuru Dasara.
A resident of the Mattigodu Elephant Camp in Nagarahole, Abhimanyu has been an integral part of Karnataka’s forest operations. He has participated in more than 300 elephant capture operations and over 80 tiger capture missions, displaying remarkable courage, discipline and endurance.
Having carried the golden howdah six times, Abhimanyu has carved out a special place in the hearts of the people. His imposing presence, calm demeanour and majestic stride have made him one of the most recognisable elephants associated with Mysuru Dasara.
Khandre cited the examples of legendary Dasara elephants Arjuna and Balarama, arguing that age alone should not become a reason to deny Abhimanyu the honour of participating in the festival.
Arjuna, captured during the Kakankote khedda operation in 1968, participated in the Jumboo Savari 22 times and carried the golden howdah on eight occasions. Even after crossing the age of 60, he continued to take part in Dasara festivities. Balarama, too, was allowed to participate despite his advancing age.
Khandre appealed to the government to extend the same honour to Captain Abhimanyu. Allowing him to lead the procession as the Nishane Aane would not only recognise his decades of service but also provide thousands of admirers an emotional opportunity to bid farewell to a beloved Dasara veteran.
For generations, elephants have been the living icons of Mysuru Dasara. For Captain Abhimanyu, the final march should therefore be not an exit, but a royal farewell worthy of a legend.
