Mysuru: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre officially inaugurated the memorial dedicated to the legendary elephant, Captain Arjuna, at D.B. Kuppe in H.D. Kote taluk.
The monument has been constructed at Arjuna’s home base — the Balle forest camp in the D.B. Kuppe region — where the majestic tusker spent much of his life. The forest icon lost his life during a risky elephant capture operation in the Yalsur forest of Hassan on December 4, 2023. He bravely battled alone before succumbing to injuries, earning recognition for his valour.
Arjuna had the honour of carrying the prestigious Mysore Dasara golden howdah on eight occasions, making him a global symbol of Karnataka’s wildlife heritage.
As part of the event, the minister unveiled a life-sized statue of Arjuna, installed near his former shelter. The sculpture measures 2.98 meters in height, spans 3.74 meters in length, and weighs around 650 kilograms.
The ceremony was graced by MLA Anil Chikkamadu, Chief Conservator of Forests Malathi, and Deputy Conservator of Forests Seema, along with officials and local residents, who paid their respects to the beloved tusker.
The memorial stands as a symbol of courage, loyalty, and the deep bond shared between humans and wildlife.