Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Aug 13: Veteran novelist and litterateur, Janardan Gurkar (83), passed away at his residence at Mysuru on Wednesday August 12. He had presided over the 6th Karkala taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelan, and was awarded with Moodbidri Vardhaman award.

Gurkar has left behind wife, two sons, and a daughter.

Gurkar, born at Mudrabettu near Ashwathpura near here, had completed his primary education at his native place, and higher education at Dharwad. He went on to get postgraduate degrees in economics and sociology from Karnatak University. He joined railways as an accountant in 1958 and retired in 1990 when working at Mysuru. After retirement, he had settled down at Mysuru.

Gurkar had written 17 novels including 'Paravalambi', 'Halladinda Hadige', Kantheyara Kanasu', 'Gangavatara' and 'Bavi Nodidavaru'. His novel, 'Gudiya Suttamutta' had drawn appreciation from Sringeri Sri Vidyateertha Swamiji. Gurkar had also published collections of small stories titled 'Kambada Huchchu' and 'Belliya Battalu'. He also has collection of essays, bigraphy on Dr Muliya Gopalakrishna Rao, and two translated works to his credit.

Janardan Gurkar had served literature by taking up different responsibilities in organizations meant to serve this sector. He had been felicitated by various organizations in recognition of his contributions to the society, although this distinguished writer chose to remain away from glare of publicity.

Kantavara Kannada Sangha convener, Dr Na Mogasale, minister, K Abhay Chandra Jain, former minister, K Amarnath Shetty, chairman of Alva's Education Foundation, Dr M Mohan Alva, former state president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Harikrishna Punaroor, writer, Ambatanaya Mudrady, Dakshina Kannada district Kannada Sahtiya Parishat president, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, and a large number of other dignitaries have condoled his death.