The Hindu : Kerala News : Prized possession of elephant lovers

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Monday, Jan 07, 2008
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Kerala

Prized possession of elephant lovers

JUMBO GUIDE: The cover of Makarajyothi, a 236-page souvenir on elephants brought out by the Thamarakulangara Ayyappa Seva Samithy, Thripunithura.

It is not something that is forgotten the moment the function is over. A 236-page souvenir brought out by the Thamarakulangara Ayyappa Seva Samithy, Thripunithura, is likely to be a prized possession of elephant lovers.

The annual souvenir, Makarajyothi, brought out for the Makaravilakku festival, is devoted to elephants. And yet it is not just a book about elephant stories or the experiences of people. It is a ready reference on elephants, their physiology, lifestyle, needs and the amazingly characteristic behaviour that endears the big animal to the human race. It is a scientific book on elephant behaviour and a number of contributions are from veterinarians.

Jacob V. Cheeran, former professor at Veterinary College; K.N. Muraleedhran Nair, former professor in the Veterinary and Animal Science Department, Kerala Agricultural University; and S. Sunil Kumar, senior surgeon, State Animal Welfare Department, are among those who have contributed to the souvenir.

Among the articles are those by Avanapparambu Maheswaran Namboothiripad, ayurveda practitioner known for treatment of poisons; Madambu Kunjukuttan, writer; Chovalloor Krishnankutty and M.G. Ramesan, elephant lovers.

The cover photograph is that of legendary Guruvayur Kesavan by Pepita Seth. A short article by her gives an insight into her pursuit of elephants.

Captive elephant management rules brought out by the State government have been given in detail and also analysed by E.K. Eswaran, Forest Veterinary Officer.

The editorial team behind the souvenir has interviewed Sreekumar Arookutty, the man behind the popular programme E4-Elephant on Kairali TV, and well-known elephant mahout and caregiver Kaduva Velayudhan.

S. Hari, convener of the Makara Vilakku Aaghosa Samithy, says the book is a team effort and the result of three months of effort.

Six pages in the souvenir are devoted to photographs of more than a 100 popular elephants across the State.

Shyama Rajagopal

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