Kannada writer Kamala Hampana passes away at 89; CM, Minister Tangadagi offer condolence
Bengaluru: Veteran literary figure ‘Nadoja’ Kamala Hampana, aged 89, passed away at her residence in Rajajinagar on Saturday. She reportedly died in her sleep.
Kamala Hampana is survived by her husband, well-known writer Hampa Nagarajaiah. Arrangements have been made for a public viewing at her residence until the evening. In accordance with her wishes, her body will be donated to Ramaiah Medical College.
Kamala Hampana was a distinguished Kannada writer, scholar and professor. She was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award and the Nadoja Award.
Throughout her 60-year career, Kamala Hampana was involved with education, literature, speech and research. While she undertook study and research across all genres of Kannada literature, contributing significantly to each, she reached great heights through her works in contemporary Kannada literature.
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Her notable accolades include the chairmanship of the 71st All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Moodbidri in 2003, the Danachintamani Attimabbe Award conferred by the state government, and the Nadoja Award from Hampi Kannada University, in recognition of her enduring and valuable contributions.
Kamala Hampana's 60 published works include drama, stories, and scholarly texts, in addition to nine other voluminous works. Her modern poetry collections include "Bindali," "Bugudi," and "Bayalu." She also authored two English books, "Attimabbe and Chalukyas" and "Jainism and Other Essays."
Numerous dignitaries, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, have expressed their condolences on her passing.
The Minister for Welfare of Backward Classes and Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, expressed deep grief over Kamala Hampana's death. "Kamala's entire family has made a unique contribution to the Kannada cultural world. May God give strength to her family to bear the sorrow of this loss. The Kannada cultural world will always remember her with respect," he said in his condolence message.
ಹಿರಿಯ ಸಾಹಿತಿ ಡಾ.ಕಮಲ ಹಂಪನಾ ಅವರ ಅನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿತ ಸಾವಿನಿಂದ ದು:ಖಿತನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) June 22, 2024
ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಕೃಷಿಯ ಜೊತೆ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಬೋಧನೆಗಳಿಂದಲೂ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಡಾ.ಕಮಲಾ ಅವರದ್ದು ಸರ್ವರಿಗೂ ಒಳಿತನ್ನು ಬಯಸಿದ ಜೀವ.
ಡಾ.ಹಂಪ ನಾಗರಾಜಯ್ಯ ಮತ್ತವರ ಕುಟುಂಬದ ದು:ಖದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನೂ ಭಾಗಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ.
ಮೃತರ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಕೋರುವೆ.
-… pic.twitter.com/mIKLAR9jAF
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BJP worker earlier arrested for alleged comments against Congress MLA dies by suicide
Bengaluru: A BJP worker, who was earlier arrested on charges of making comments against Congress MLA A S Ponnanna, has allegedly died by suicide on Friday stating that he is unable to bear the humiliation, police said.
Vinay Somaiah, who is in his mid thirties and a native of Kodagu district, died by hanging at an office here, they said.
In the purported death note recovered by the police, he has stated that nearly two months ago, he was arrested by the Madikeri police on the complaint of a Congress worker Tennera Maina in connection with certain comments that were posted against Virajpet Congress MLA Ponnanna, who is Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's legal advisor, in a WhatsApp group. Vinay was said to be the admin of the WhatsApp group.
He was subsequently released on bail.
In the death note, the BJP worker alleged that the FIR filed against him was "politically motivated" and that he and his family had to face "humiliation" which upset him.
Seeking justice, he urged that action should be taken against those named in the death note.
Police said a postmortem is underway and investigation will follow.
BJP held a protest in Madikeri demanding justice for Somaiah.
Home Minister G Parameshwara speaking to reporters here said, police will examine and investigate the case.
"Concerned DCP will investigate and based on the investigation report action will be taken. Whatever may be the reason, if any such involvement of anyone as alleged is found, it will be examined. Facts will come out during the investigation, once FIR is registered investigation will follow. Based on the outcome, whoever it is, action will be taken," he said.
Speaking to reporters in Shikaripura state BJP President B Y Vijayendra urged the Home Minister to consider the Somaiah's suicide case seriously and verify about involvement of MLA or anyone else influential in the case, and take necessary action.
Demanding justice for Somaiah's death, he warned BJP will hold strong protests if the government fails to ensure a fair probe and doesn't take immediate strict action.
"Somaiah has died by suicide alleging harassment by MLA and Congress workers in the death note, it is unfortunate and painful. I don't know since the Congress government came to power there is a kind of continuous oppression on BJP workers in the state. Unnecessarily FIRs are being registered on the party workers and they are being harassed," Vijayendra alleged.
It is said that Somaiah died by suicide because of such pressure and harassment, and he is said to have mentioned about it in the death note, the BJP chief stated and added "I urge the Home Minister to consider this case on humanitarian grounds instead of like a case linked to BJP worker. This is an example of how citizens and BJP workers are suffering under this Congress administration."
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
