Mysuru, May 30: Noted Kannada writer D. Javare Gowda, popularly known as “De. Ja. Gow.” in literary circles, passed away in a hospital here on Monday. He was 101.
Dr. Javare Gowda leaves behind his son, J. Shashidhar Prasad, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore, and daughter, Shashikala, who is settled abroad.
Dr. Javare Gowda was admitted to the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research here on Saturday night after he suffered “heart failure”. Though he was in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, his condition worsened on Monday and he passed away around 7 p.m., the hospital in-charge Dr. Sadanand K.S. told The Hindu.
Besides contributing significantly to Kannada literature, he dedicated most of his time and effort to protecting Kannada and promoting the language as a medium of instruction in schools. He played an important role in securing the classical language status for Kannada by launching an indefinite fast and threatening to return the Padma Shri conferred on him in 2001.
De. Ja. Gow. also chaired the Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Bengaluru in 1970. In his presidential address, he had urged the government to make Kannada the medium of instruction in education and demanded implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report, which recommended employment for Kannadigas. In recognition of his contribution to literature and the cause of Kannada, the state government had honoured him with the Karnataka Ratna and Pampa awards, and the Nadoja title.
He was the fourth Kannada litterateur to cross the age of 100 and was born in Channapatna taluk. (According to available records he was 98).
Meanwhile, various dignitaries mourned his death. Noted personalities and a sea of people made a beeline to his residence at Jayalakshmipuram here to offer their respects.
In his condolence message, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described him as a marvellous literary strongman of the State, who opposed unscientific practices even at the age of 100. The final rites will be held on Tuesday.
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