Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Oct 29: Anant Padmanabha Bhat (A P Bhat), 62, a resident of Podamale, Bantakal, who was critically injured in a car-bike collision on National Highway 66 near Kallapu, Katapady, on the evening of October 25, succumbed to his injuries on October 29 while undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Udupi.

Unmarried, A P Bhat, is survived by his brother and five sisters. Sunil Kumar, 19, an engineering student from Vijayapura who was riding pillion on the bike, had also died in the accident.

A member of the Udupi District Farmers' Association, Bhat was well known for his expertise in jasmine cultivation, vegetable farming and dairy farming.

He regularly shared agricultural information and guidance with farmers, actively participating in agricultural fairs, agricultural information camps and farmers' protests. He was also known for responding to the problems faced by the farming community.

Beyond agriculture, Bhat was a philanthropist who took a special interest in ensuring education for underprivileged students from other districts who had been deprived of educational opportunities.

He travelled to Vijayapura and various parts of North Karnataka, meeting students who lacked access to education and persuading them and their families to allow the children to pursue their studies.

He brought the students to the region and arranged for their admission to various schools, ashrams and residential schools, helping them access educational opportunities.

When circumstances demanded, he even accommodated children in his own home and supported their education. Before dedicating himself to these activities, he had also worked as a bus conductor.

The Udupi District Farmers' Association has expressed its condolences over his demise.