Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jan 10: Renowned poet, dramatist, organizer, editor, administrator, pro-Kannada activist and former president of Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Chandrashekhar Patil (82), popularly knowns as ‘Champa’ passed away on January 10 morning.

Champa was admitted to the Astra hospital in Konanakunte in the city due to ill health.

Former chief minister B S Yediyurappa expressed deep sorrow at the death of Champa and said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of renowned poet of Kannada, dramatist, critic, pro-Kannada activist, better known as Champa. The Kannada land has lost one of the senior most person. May God grant eternal peace to his soul. I pray for the family members and well wishers of Champa to bear pain of the loss of his departure.”

Champa, who was committed to leftist views of Lohia, protested against emergency and supported JP movement and was in prison. He was one of the eminent leaders of Gokak movement and took an active part in Kannada language movement.

Former CM and leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah tweeted, “I am saddened by the born revolutionary, ideological teacher and my long time friend, who fought for injustice, inequality and dictatorship. I share he grief of his family and well wishers.”