Forests Minister Eshwar B Khandre presents 'Arjuna Award' to mahout Gunda and kavadi Nanjundaswamy of elephant Bheema, during Gajapayana celebrations at Veeranahosahalli of Hunsur taluk, Mysuru district, on Monday.
Credit: DH Photo
Mysuru: The 'Arjuna Award', recently instituted in the memory of Dasara veteran elephant Arjuna, who died during a rescue operation in 2023, was presented to mahout Gunda and Kavadi Nanjundaswamy, the caretakers of elephant Bheema. The award was given during the Gajapayana celebrations at Veeranahosahalli of Hunsur taluk, Mysuru district, on Monday.
Eshwar B Khandre, the Minister for Environment, Ecology and Forests, remembered Arjuna and recalled its legacy while presenting the award of Dasara elephant Bheema. He mentioned that the award comprises a cash prize of Rs 10,000 each along with certificates of appreciation for both the mahout and kavadi.
This award aims to recognise the services of the Forest department staff who have succeeded in training the wild jumbos and have actively engaged with the elephants in the combing operations during man-animal conflicts.
A committee is set up to finalise the awardees. The award will be presented during Gajapayana every year.
H D Kote MLA Anil Chikkamadu had suggested the minister to institute the award.
Arjuna breathed its last on December 4, 2023 while fighting a wild jumbo during an operation to fix radio collars on troublesome wild elephants at Alur, Belur, Sakleshpur and Yesalur.