By M.T. Yogesh Kumar and B.C. Thimmaiah
He has been with elephants across India for the last 27 years and his dedication to the gentle giants is unquestionable. He has participated in 24 Dasaras in Mysuru and is the trusted name when it comes to the welfare of elephants. Having just a year to retire, he recounts his experience in dealing with elephants and the crucial role in making Dasara celebrations a success year after year. Meet Rangaraju, alias “nail man” who is an inseparable part of Dasara. He is called the “nail man” as he walks in front of the elephants looking for nails, stones and other sharp objects that might potentially pierce into the legs of elephants during rehearsals from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap and also during Vijayadashami procession.
