Elephant pays final salute to his mahout

Damodaran Nair aka Omana Chettan, a native of Kottayam who devoted himself to elephant caring for more than 60 years passed away.

Kottayam (Kerala): Damodaran Nair, a native of Kooroppada in Kottayam, who devoted himself to elephant caring for more than 60 years has passed away.

The 74-year-old Damodaran Nair aka Omana Chettan had been the mahout of an elephant 'Pallat Brahmadathan' for the past 25 years.

Brahmadathan, who was also present to catch a final glimpse of Omana Chettan prior to the final rites, bade adieu to his beloved mahout by giving a final salute.

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The friendship between Damodaran Nair and Brahmadathan was so strong that the former never hesitated to approach the animal even when it was angry.

Omana Chettan and Brahmadathan were known for their participation in the famous Thrissur Pooram, Koodalmanikyam, Arattupuzha festival etc.

The mahout who won several awards had also trained many people in the art of elephant care.