Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Nov 3: Renowned Kannada writer, novelist, playwright, scientist, researcher and senior journalist Dr Vyasaraya Ninjur passed away at the age of 86 at a hospital in Deonar, Chembur, Mumbai, on Tuesday morning, November 3.
A respected figure among the Kannada literary community in Mumbai and Udupi, Dr Ninjur was also the honorary editor (retired) of 'Gokulavani', the magazine of the Bombay South Kanara Brahmins' Association (BSKBA-Gokul). Known for his gentle nature, pleasant speech and simplicity, he shared a close bond with the Kannada community in Mumbai. He is survived by a son, a daughter and a large family.
Several literary and cultural organisations and prominent personalities have expressed condolences over his demise. They include Kalkura Foundation founder and former Dakshina Kannada District Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, former Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Dr Harikrishna Punaroor, Dakshina Kannada District Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Prof M P Srinath, senior writer Dr Sunita M Shetty, former BSKBA president Dr Suresh S Rao Katilu, BSKBA president Shailini A Rao, honorary secretary A P K Pothi, former Gopalakrishna Public Trust trustee Ramananda Rao Badanidiyoor, former Maharashtra Kannada Journalists' Association president Rons Bantwal, honorary editor Srinivas Jokatte and University of Mumbai Kannada Department head Dr G N Upadhya, among others.
Literary and scientific journey
Born to Seethamma and Srinivasa Rao Ninjur in Tenkanidiyur, Udupi, Dr Ninjur spent his childhood there. He completed his primary education at the local Muttadakavu School, high school at Milagres School, Kalyanpur, and graduated in science from MGM College, Udupi.
He developed a keen interest in art, literature and culture during his student days. He also served as a tutor for medical students at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, for four years. His literary journey officially began in 1963 with the publication of his first short story collection, 'Kunkuma'.
He later pursued postgraduate studies in biochemistry and food technology and earned a PhD from the University of Mumbai in collaboration with the University of California. He also served as a visiting professor at universities abroad and guided around seven to eight research scholars who subsequently earned doctoral degrees.
In 1965, he moved to Mumbai and joined the renowned Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) as a scientific officer. He worked for several years as a researcher in its biochemistry and food technology division before retiring. His scientific contributions included more than 82 research papers published in reputed national and international journals.
Alongside his scientific career, Dr Ninjur made significant contributions to Kannada literature as a short story writer, novelist, playwright and editor.
His early collection 'Kunkuma' marked the beginning of a literary journey that reached greater maturity with 'Mancha'. Other notable short story collections included 'Dooja Mastarara Magalu Basiradudu'. His novel 'Usiru' received appreciation from renowned Hindi writer Kamleshwar and was later republished by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
His radio plays, including 'Soukhyavilla', 'Aranyakobbha Arasu' and 'Premantariksha', written for Mumbai Akashvani, received widespread appreciation from listeners.
A theatre enthusiast and Yakshagana performer, he also wrote several plays. His acclaimed stage work 'Nalvattara Nalugu' received numerous performances. He was well versed in Yakshagana singing traditions, rhythmic patterns and dance movements.
Apart from his literary and scientific pursuits, he regularly prepared and published Marathi calendar-based almanac details in Kannada. He also served as the founding editor of 'Gokul' magazine for nearly three decades, earning appreciation for his dedicated editorial work.
Awards and recognition
Dr Ninjur received several prestigious honours for his contributions to literature and theatre. His play 'Nalvattara Nalugu' earned him the Karnataka Nataka Academy Fellowship, while his novel 'Chamundeshwari Bhavana' received the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award and Vardhamana Award.
He was honoured with the 'Karnataka Shri' award at the 71st Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Moodbidri. He also received the Jayanthi B S Kurkal Literary Award in 2006 and was honoured as the president of the Udupi District Kannada Sahitya Sammelana.
The BSKBA conferred the 'Gokul Ratna' award on him during the 70th Republic Day celebrations. He was also felicitated at the Sahitya Sahavasa programme organised by the Chembur Karnataka Sangha in 2007.
His demise marks the loss of a distinguished personality who made remarkable contributions to Kannada literature, science, theatre and journalism.