Great grandson wants Dhotre memorial

Arun,president of a non-governmental organisation,Late Damoo Dhotre Pratishthan,recently launched a website http://www.damoodhotre.com.

If the US can house a statue of his great grandfather in the Circus museum,Pune too can have a statue in his name.

In the letter,Arun has requested permission to construct a statue of his great grandfather at the Katraj zoo. “He had great love for animals and we feel that this is an appropriate venue for his statue. He was known to train even the most ferocious animals,” said Arun.

Dhotre,who lived in his Shukrawar Peth bungalow called Circus Villa,passed away in 1973. Having started early in life as a circus trainer,he gained the ring master status and travelled the world with the Ringling Brothers Barnus and Bailey circus from USA.

Apart from a statue,the family is also keen on a postage stamp issued in Dhotre’s name and have written to the postal department in this regard.

Sujit Dilip of Rambo Circussaid the website would help in creating much-needed awarness about the great circus artiste.

“This is a welcome move… coming 37 years after Dhotre’s death,when not many circus companies in the country are still active,ban on animals and few keen on taking up the profession,” he said.