Mysuru: A day after the Mysuru Dasara festival ended successfully, all Dasara elephants have returned to their respective forest camps following the Dasara procession and torchlight parade. According to the forest department, all the jumbos are healthy and fit.The elephants were given a traditional farewell before their departure from Mysuru. Their weights and health conditions were examined in the morning, and all were found to be healthy, said deputy conservator of forests (wildlife) IG PrabhuGouda. “The 55 days of hard work paid off on Vijayadashami. The elephants remained calm and behaved exceptionally well during the procession. Mahouts, kavadis, forest rangers, veterinary doctors and other staff worked together to ensure the smooth conduct of the event,” he said.The elephants underwent intensive training to familiarise themselves with roads, crowds, loud sounds and the demanding conditions of the procession. The department also implemented precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the elephants, their handlers and spectators. “Although we feel sad when the elephants leave Mysuru, the forest is their natural habitat, and they belong there. We spent nearly two months with them, caring for them and conducting morning and evening training sessions. Naturally, there is an emotional bond,” the IFS officer said.The department also modified certain training exercises and strengthened safety measures in view of growing crowds and changing conditions.Prashantha emerges as future leaderChief conservator of forests (Mysuru Circle) SS Ravishankar said the successful performance of Prashantha, who carried the Golden Howdah for the first time this year, had demonstrated his ability to take on the responsibility of the lead elephant in the coming years. The 54 yr old elephant, who has participated in Mysuru Dasara for 18 years, underwent special training for the Golden Howdah role over the past three years.“Since Prashantha was taking on this responsibility for the first time, our responsibility was greater. His performance has answered our questions about who could lead the elephant contingent in the coming years,” Ravishankar said. He credited the mahouts, kavadis, their assistants and forest personnel, including Prabhugouda and range forest officer Yashma Machamma, for the successful outcome.Chinnappa, Prashantha’s mahout for the past 18 years, said guiding the elephant during its Golden Howdah debut was a proud and unforgettable experience. “The support of senior officers and other staff helped us discharge our responsibility. Prashantha performed very well, and I was extremely happy to see him carry the Golden Howdah,” he said. Chinnappa said Prashantha responded well to familiar handlers and followed his mahout’s instructions. Chinnappa has four more years of service, while Prashantha has got six more years of service. Chinnappa takes care of Prashantha just like his son and when he is not around, if he calls ‘Maga baro’, if he is in range, he will be there within a few minutes.Chinnappa has four more years of service, while Prashantha has got six more years of service. Chinnappa takes care of Prashantha just like his son and when he is not around, if he calls ‘Maga baro’, if he is in range, he will be there within a few minutes.
