Mysore: Dodda Masti, who had served as mahout of Arjuna which carried golden howdah during dasara died due to illness at Balle Haadi in DB Kuppe forest range on August 10th. He loved the tusker Arjuna more than his children for the past 16 years, and had taken part in dasara 2015.

Dodda Masti,aged 63,forest department mahout from Balle Elephant Camp, Nagarhole National Park, spent most of the time with the tusker and loved it more than his own children. He had good command over Arjuna, which hardly listened to any other mahouts. For Dodda Masti, Arjuna happens to be his fourth elephant. Before taking Arjuna 16 years back he was also mahout for other dasara elephants like Hussain for 12 years, Rama for six years, Bhaskar for seven.

Arjuna was very rude in the beginning but gradually obeyed after Dodda Mast took control. The deceased mahout used to tell “I love Arjuna more than my three children”.

Masti was well known for his sincerity,start working from 4am and continue till midnight. For nearly 37 years,he had taken part in Dasara processions with different elephants but for the fifth time he involved in carrying Golden Howdah with Arjuna. He used to tell that,it is great feeling and honor to guide Arjuna carrying Golden Howdah.

He was diagnosed with cataract a year back, following which he retired. He was diagnosed with brain tumour later and had undergone treatment at Mysuru and Bengaluru.

He was bedridden from one year at Balle elephant camp. Doddamasti has participated during Dasara procession from last 12 years and from 2012, he took charge of Jambu savari for four consecutive years. He is survived by three sons and one among them Mahesh is mahout for Arjuna

Veterinary doctor Dr Nagaraj, used to appreciate Masti’s work especially his dedication and determination in looking after elephants.