Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru (SP)

Mysuru, May 31: Veteran Kannada litterateur, Padma Shri awardee, Karnataka Ratna, Nadoja, Dr De Javare Gowda, breathed his last at Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology here on Monday May 30. He was born on July 6, 1915.

The state government had celebrated his birth centenary last year during July at Kalamandir here. Chief minister, Siddaramaiah, had presided over that function.

Javaregowda, who is popularly known with his pen name, Dejagow, was a staunch fan and follower of leading Kannada poet and writer, Kuvempu. He was identified as a leading follower of Kuvempu's ideals. He also was running educational institutions under the banner of 'Kuvempu Vidyavardhaka Trust.'.

Dejagow mostly wrote verse, and had mastery over Kannada language. He had functioned as vice chancellor of Mysore University for six years from 1969 to 1975. He was bestowed with numerous awards and titles for his efforts towards enrichment and upliftment of Kannada literature. He had fought for conferring of classical status to Kannada.

Dejagow's wife, Savitramma, had passed away several years ago. Retired vice chancellor of Mysore University, J Shashidhar Prasad, and Shashikala Chandrashekhar, who has settled down in USA, happen to be his children.

Family sources said that his funeral will take place after his daughter arrives from USA, by the side of the current tomb of his wife, Savitramma, in the premises of Vidyavardhaka Trust at Jayalakshmipuram here.