Bengaluru: Karnataka received a thumbs up on Friday from wildlife conservationist and author, S. Theodore Baskaran, for not only protecting but also promoting the Mudhol Hound, an Indian dog breed.
Speaking at the release of his book, “The Book of Indian Dogs” in the city, he deplored that no state government, other than Karnataka, was interested in protecting the Indian breed of dogs. Blaming such disinterest for the slow disappearance of the Himalayan Mastiff, he pointed out that countries like Japan and Australia did their best to protect their native breeds. Asked about an article where he was criticised for glorifying dog breeders, Baskaran said, “This is not at all true. One must read the book.” Calling Mr Baskaran a jewel, well known historian Ramachandra Guha said the book ranged across history, science, archaeology, art and culture. “Baskaran is a jewel and this book is exquisitely written,”
The audience, which had a good sprinkling of scholars, students and working professionals, burst into laughter when Guha concluded his brief speech saying, “Even if we are not sending Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu we can still have Baskaran here.”
Guha, who recently resigned from the committee of administrators appointed by the Supreme Court to oversee the working of the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), however, refused to comment on the speculated rift between Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble.
