Daijiworld Media Network-Kundapur (RJP)

Silvester D’Souza

Kundapur, May 29: Celebrated rock and wall climber Jyothi Raj, popularly known as 'Kothi Raja', 'Kothi Rama' or 'Monkey King', pleased Kundapur people with his amazing skills, climbing the skyscraper in city on Saturday evening May 28.

Speaking to reporters at Kundapur's J K Hotel, Raj aid "I basically hail from Tamil Nadu and came to Bagalkote at the age of 5. I worked at a sweet shop for few years. Later I shifted to Chitradurga where Mahadevappa looked after him. At the age of 16 being devastated by life I attempted suicide by consuming alcohol but survived. Another attempt of jumping into the water also failed. Then I decided to jump from 100 feet hillock. As there were no steps, I saw a monkey climbing the hill and I also tried to climb the same way and succeeded. The travellers around clapped thinking I was performing a stunt. Then I realised that I should achieve something in the state in national and international level . Thus dropped the idea of suicide and took it as profession. Monkey is his inspiration,”

Kothi Raja says that there has been no cooperation or support from the government. Even the last time when he got down into the Jog Falls to lift up the dead bodies, the government did not give any support or help. It is the media and people who helped him in growing to such great stature, says Kothi Raja.

Kothi Raja has the plan to establish Indian Monkey Club and provide education to few students. He has the ambition to climb all the big skyscrapers in the country. He is of the opinion that government should support young talents. He is training his nephew in the climbing and preparing him for participating in Olympics 2020.

His mother also watched his live performance here in Kundapur.

Kothi Raja said "I have been doing this stunt in various places but here in Kundapur it feels good. Many organisations have supported and encouraged me”