MYSORE: IT was finally time for the master and the student to part ways.
Sannappa (60), who was the mahout of Balarama, the golden howdah bearer, for eight long years, was feted by the district administration recently on the occasion of his retirement after 38 years of training with elephants.
Sharing his experiences with Express, Sannappa said that he never got angry with Balarama, the 58-year-old tusker. “The relationship between us has been that between a guru and a shishya (teacher and a student). At times, I have only tried to discipline him and nothing else,” reminisces the mahout on the verge of his retirement.
When questioned as to who will look after Balarama from now on, Sannappa avers: “Thimma, who is now working as its kavadi, can easily lead him.”
He details that ragi, coconut, horsegram and jaggery form part of the pachyderm’s staple diet and adds, “We used to obtain sugarcane from nearby fields without informing farmers as we knew it was Balarama’s favourite.” The mahout insists that Balarama can still carry the 750 kg golden Howdah during the Jambu Savari procession for another two years and agrees that the authorities will need to take into consideration its age then and find a suitable replacement. He requested the state government to offer Mari (35), his son, any kind of job.
Pangs of separation
Sannappa mentioned that he will offer pooja to Balarama before his resignation as per tradition, which, he said, will give an indication to Balarama that its mahout’s tenure has ended. “I may feel sad for a day or two, however, it is important that he gets adjusted to his new mahout. For this to happen, I must stay away from the elephant for at least a few months,” an emotional Sannappa surmises.
Balarama:
quick stats
* Name: Balarama.
* ;Age: About 52 years.
* ;Height: 2.70 m.
* ;Weight: 5.02 tonnes.
* ;Hails from: Kattepura forest range, Kodagu district.
* ;Year of capture: 1987.
* ;Behaviour: Usually silent.
* ;Experience: Participated in the Dasara festivities for 16 times and has carried the golden Howdah for the last 12 years after the demise of Drona.
* ;Currently located at: Matthigodu elephant camp, Nagarahole National Park.
* ;Favourite food: Sugarcane.
