Kundapur: 'Monkey Man' Jyothiraj - Climbing heights of glory
Silvester D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Sep 29: Jyothiraj, also known as 'Kotiram' or Monkey Man due to his ability to climb high rise buildings and mountains with bare hands, was the cynosure of all eyes in Kundapur on Saturday September 28.
Jyothiram, who was here to receive felicitation from Kundapur region photographer’s association, climbed four floors of Kundapur’s J K Towers in a matter of minutes and cast a spell on the sea of people who had gathered to cheer him on. The following are the excerpts from an interview:
What is the inspiration for your adventures?
I was born in Tamil Nadu and came to Karnataka at a very young age. I grew up doing plastering work and did not feel like going back to Tamilnadu at all. However, I was unhappy thinking that I have achieved nothing in life even though I was eighteen years old. I decided to commit suicide by jumping from a mountain and came close to a rock mountain in Chitradurga but did not know how to climb it. I observed a monkey climbing the mountain and I too climbed like it. I slowly reached the top. The tourists nearby mistook it for adventure and clapped to encourage me. I gave up my desire to die following their praises. The tourists gave me Rs 6,836. I had not held that much amount till then. That became my inspiration.
How did you get the experience in this stunt?
Monkeys inspired me and they taught me how to climb mountains. I kept imitating them. Though I got hurt in the beginning, I got experienced and encouragement from people.
Tell us about your family
My father’s name is Ishwaran and mother is Muthu. I was born on August 15, 1978. I have seven siblings. I never went to school. My communication with people has given me enough experience.
Why didn’t you aim for records?
People in Japan and France have seen my videos and identified me among top ten stuntmen in the world. Two of them are no more. I am the only Indian among the remaining eight. I am not interested in records. Now adventure is my profession and disposition. Records are not important but people’s trust should be maintained.
Is there any help from the government?
I fell and got injured during a stunt in 2011. The government gave me Rs 25,000. Our club has received no aid. Tamil Nadu government offered me a job but I refused to leave Karnataka which has fed me.
Please tell your experience in Jog falls.
I have got down Jog Falls ten times - five times to lift dead bodies and five times for achievements. The other day there was confusion between two police inspectors who allowed me to get down only after my written statement. It was annoying. I got down on August 11, 13 and 14 after signing. I have brought the dead bodies up except in one instance.
What is your dream?
I have 20-25 followers. The Olympics in 2020 has included this sport. I intend to send two or three of my students.
What is your advice to the youth?
Achieve something in life. Though we cannot see the results, our future generation should know it. Achieve something at least in your profession.
Now that stunt is your profession, what do you feel about them?
I have come unexpectedly to this field and learnt from monkeys. I have grown by people’s encouragement. I still have desires. There is a large rock in Chitradurga. I want to climb it with bare hands but I am not getting enough support.
Tell us more about your fans.
I had come to Karnataka in 1992. This land has given identity to my talent. I started my profession in Chitradurga. Tourists are my fans. They speak to me wherever I go and click my snap.
Is this your first stunt in Kundapur?
Yes. I once had an opportunity to climb a tree in Udupi.