Mahout loves Arjuna more than his kids

MYSORE: Dodda Masti, mahout of Arjuna who will carry the golden howdah for the third time, loves the tusker more than his three children. For the past 16 years, the mahout has been looking after Arjuna.
Dodda Masti, the 55-year-old forest department mahout from Balle Elephant Camp, Nagarahole National Park, spends most of his time with the tusker. He has good command over Arjuna, who hardly listens to the other mahouts.Arjuna is the fourth elephant that Dodda Masti has been taking care of; earlier, he’d take care of Dasara elephants Hussain for 12 years, Rama for six years, Bhaskar for seven.
Arjuna was very temperamental but after it came under Dodda Masti, he was gradually brought under control. “I love Arjuna more than my three children. Though initially, it had quite a temper, now it’s calm and composed.” Masti learnt the job from his father who had, in turn, learnt it from his grandfather. Masti is known for his sincerity and Arjuna is often more important than his family members.
His work starts from 4am and goes on till late night.
“For the past 35 years, I’ve been taking part in the Dasara procession with different elephants but for the third time I’ll be involved in carrying the golden howdah with Arjuna and this is a great honour. When these elephants are brought here, they’re given special food. When elephants are in the forest, they’re given ragi and horse gram but during Dasara, they’re given special food like wheat, rice, carrots, beetroots and other vegetables, sugarcane and ghee. The howdah elephants carry about 1,000kg which includes the golden howdah which is 750kg. During rehearsals, the elephant is trained to carry nearly 1000kg.” Dr Nagaraj, veterinarian in-charge of Dasara elephants, said, “He’s different from other mahouts. His dedication towards the elephants needs to be appreciated. He takes care of elephants round the clock and he’s very sincere and honest about his work.”