Karnataka

Mysore musings

For politicians used to hogging the limelight it is natural for them to gloat in the aura of their perceived superiority.

But some of them were unprepared for the indifferent reaction to their absence at a function where stars of a different genre covered themselves with glory.

The venue was the Jayamartanda Gate in front of the Mysore Palace. Senior police officials and bureaucrats had arrived well ahead of time and the police band had lined up to usher in the guests whose importance during Dasara can hardly be overstated.

The reference is of course to the Dasara elephants led by the illustrious Balarama.

The gentle giants were spot on time, walked without a fuss and went through the ceremony without battling an eyelid.

The rites over, Balarama and company willingly lined up to oblige the tourists and the officials with a “photo-op” before retiring in grace to the palace courtyards for their rehearsal.

Given the importance of the occasion it is customary for political representatives in Mysore to attend the function —invited or not — as it heralds the arrival of Dasara.

But a section of them kicked up a fuss over the absence of a “formal invitation” and stayed away from welcoming the caparisoned elephants. What is more, they made the “absence of important leaders” known through their minions present at the venue.

But as the ceremony unfolded, the elephants became an instant hit while the absence of these “leaders” was not felt.

Last heard, they were still nursing their bruised egos at the “elephantine snub” delivered by Balaram and company.

Well-known academicians aspiring for the coveted post of Vice-Chancellor of a university try to keep their candidature concealed from the public glare as far as possible, lest a rejection should mar their carefully cultivated public image.

So, few people know the identity of academicians, who are in the race for the post of Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore.

The Hindu’s request for details about his academic background by sending a copy of his CV by email.

Written in bold on the first page of Mr. Dandin’s CV was “Candidature for the post of Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore, Mysore”.

It became amply clear that Mr. Dandin, who had even served as the Director of Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute, was also in the race for the post of Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore.

Probably, Mr. Dandin forwarded a copy of his last updated CV stored on his personal computer without checking its contents, which turned out to be a giveaway regarding his aspirations to head the University of Mysore.

R. KRISHNA KUMAR LAIQH A. KHAN

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