From Yathi - The Illustrator on Dasara

The Introduction of the Kannada Version

On the inaugural day of Dasara festival, Chief minister of Karnataka Mr. H D Kumaraswamy released the Kannada version of “Balarama’s story_An elephant’s journey” book, at the Royal Palace of Mysore. The grand event was graced with the presence of Mrs. Sudha Murty, Chairperson of Infosys Foundation.

A stamp cover dedicated to Balarama was also unveiled on the same stage.

D K Bhaskar and Alladi Jayasri had written this book in English inspired by the life of Dasara elephant Balarama which has successfully taken part in Dasara festivities for more than 20 years. In this period, he carried the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari on the fabled Golden Howdah as part of Jumboo Savari, 13 times, before he retired from the ranks.

The Kannada version was released on Tuesday while the English edition was launched in the US last month.

Maharaja of Mysore, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, has written the foreword. In his introduction, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar says, “The book highlights the importance of the elephant to the sub-continent and its traditions. The challenge is to maintain a balance between modernity and heritage. We need to see how we can give back to the elephants that have given us so much”.

Currently, Balarama is leading a retired life in Mattigodu elephant camp in Nagarhole.

The book consists of 90 colorful illustrations. I am extremely grateful to Bhaskar Dk , Rajeshshrivana Acharya and CLIC Abroad for giving this opportunity. Thank you everyone for the support and encouragement.
 — with Sahanashree Shettigar.

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