(IN): Play and study around the jumbos

October 20, 2007

Link:

7%208:27:00%20PM

*Play and study around the jumbos*

Pavitra Jayaraman

Friday, October 19, 2007 (Mysore)

While the mahouts of the Dussehra elephants get busy rehearsing for the

grand procession, their children go to school in a make shift arrangement at

the palace.

This arrangement has been organised by the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan who wanted

to make sure that children of the mahouts don't miss a day at school during

their stay in the city.

Almost a month before Dussehra's procession of elephants, the mahouts with

their families camp here at the Mysore palace premises.

A tent has been set up as the school which ensures their children do not

lose touch with their curriculum.

For these children the the stay in the city is an exciting trip apart from

that they just can't seem to get enough of study and play with their

teachers in the city.

Pushpa a government school teacher said, ''They are very happy here.''

One of the mahouts Thimappa tends to the needs of Balram, the golden howdah

elephant and meanwhile he is not worried about his four children who at the

same time enjoying a healthy meal at their new school.

Thimappa said, ''What they stopped back home, they continue here. In

addition to this they enjoy being in the city. They play with the elephants

too ''

But after Dashami on Sunday they will head back home and it will be a change

for them again.

--

Fight captive Jumbo abuse, end Elephant Polo

Recommended Posts