Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 23: Chelairuguthu Seetharama Hegade (65), better known with the name, S R Hegade, who was an accomplished writer, organizer, ex-serviceman, and editor of a publication, died when taking holy bath at Arabian Sea on the occasion of Yellamavasya on Monday December 22. He is survived by wife, Indira Hegade, who happens to be a writer and researcher, apart from a son and a daughter.

Hegade, who had settled down in Bengaluru, had come to his native place in Suratkal on Sunday. At around 9.30 am on Monday, he had approached the sea near Marigudi in Tadambail, Suratkal, for taking holy dip on account of Yellamavasya when a huge wave snatched him away. His body was recovered in the afternoon near Mallamar Beach of Suratkal.

Hegade, who wrote both in Tulu and Kannada, was the son of the late Polali Sheenappa Hegade, who had taken initiative in Tulu movement. His mother is Chelairuguthu Vittamma Shedthi.

During his service of 16 years in the army, Hegade had earned medal for his meritorious services in war. He had functioned as the editor of 'Snehachintana' published by Buntara Sangha Bengaluru. He also had been the president of this organization, and secretary of Bengaluru Tulu Koota. He published several collections of short stories, apart from research articles and other literature through his Karavali Publication. His wife got involved enthusiastically in his initiatives.

Having born in the lineage of Agoli Manjanna, a legendary hero of Tulu history, Hegade had set up Agoli Manjanna Trust through which literary, cultural, and research-oriented programmes were being sponsored every year. had taken an active part in the recent Vishwa Tulu Parba.

MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel, minister, Abhay Chandra Jain, MLA, B S Mohiyuddin Bava and scores of distinuguished personalities from various fields have mourned Hegade's accidental death.