BIDAR, 2 AUG

An annual award has been instituted in the name of Arjuna, the iconic Dasara elephant who died during a wild elephant capture operation near Yasalur in Hassan district. Forest, Zoology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre announced that the first "Arjuna Elephant" award will be presented on August 4 during the Gajapayana ceremony at Naddiddu.

Speaking in Bidar, the Minister said H.D. Kote MLA Anil Kumar C. had proposed the idea. The award will honour mahouts and forest staff who play significant roles in human-wildlife conflict resolution and animal capture operations, and who demonstrate exemplary care and control over captured elephants.

Arjuna, captured in the 1968 Khedda operation at Kakanakote, participated in 22 Jamboo Savaris and carried the 750-kg golden howdah eight times. His life and service endeared him to people across the country. The award seeks to immortalize his legacy.

This year’s award will go to Bhima elephant’s mahout Gunda and kavadi Nanjundaswamy, for their key roles in recent successful operations in Hassan, Sakaleshpur, and Kodagu, as decided by the Dasara elephant selection committee.