Mysuru: A dance drama ‘Gaja Gourava’, the story of Balarama, senior Dasara elephant which had carried golden howdah for 12 times, choreographed by Veena Murthy Vijay will be held at the Mysuru Palace premise on October 10 at 7 PM.

This story is an adaptation from the children’s book written by Bhasker, an engineer and NRI from USA who has done a research on the elephant life with reference to Indian culture and its relationship with the royal family. The story begins with a tribute to Mysuru Royal family and its present scion Yaduveer Chamaraja Wadiyar. “The royal families have deep knowledge about the lives of the elephants and have played a major role in conserving, protecting and also respecting the elephants. Nowhere in the world has such an event been integrated to worship and respect this creation and preserve its kind”, added Veena Murthy Vijay. The event is choreographed by Veena Murthy Vijay, conceptualised by Yellappa Reddy and music is composed by Karthik Sharma. On the occasion, the Kannada translation of Balarama’s autobiography will also be released. The English version of the autobiography having over 100 pages is a big hit in America with many copies sold.

Dr. Nagaraj who is looking after the Dasara elephants for more than two decades welcomed the book and drama on Balaram which is known to be the most obedient, calm and composed elephant.

Gaja Gourava–Balarama Katha is the journey of an elephant from its freedom in the wild to human habitat. Balarama, the elephant grows up in the Kabini forest. Later he is captured by the forest department to be trained as the royal elephants. By his own understanding of nature, he evolves himself to realise his spiritual energies by carrying Chamundeshwari in the procession during Dasara festival.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will be inaugurating the event while elephant Balaram will be releasing the book.