Renowned Kannada and Tulu Scholar Vamana Nandavara Passes Away at 81

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 16, 2025: Veteran Kannada and Tulu scholar Dr. Vamana Nandavara, aged 81, passed away at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday after a prolonged illness. A former chairman of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, he was a celebrated folklorist and author of numerous influential works. Through Hemanshu Prakashana, he nurtured and inspired many writers and artists, earning widespread admiration.

Hailing from Nandavara village in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, Dr. Nandavara pursued his undergraduate studies at St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru, followed by a BEd from the Government College of Teacher Education. He completed his MA in Kannada from Karnataka University and was awarded a PhD for his thesis on the folklore of ‘Koti Chennaya.’

Dr. Nandavara’s career spanned various roles, including lecturer at St. Ann’s Women’s Teacher Training College and guest lecturer at Mangalore University. He also served as the founding principal of Sahyadri Educational Institution and as a study guide for Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). In addition, he contributed to the Mangaluru Darshana Project as an assistant editor and worked as a Project Officer at Pilikula Nisargadhama.

Among his notable works are Olepataki, Tuluvere Kusal Kusel, Singadana, Tulu Panikathe, Avali Veerare Kuritha Janapada Mahakavya—Koti Chennayya, Janapada Suthamutha, Ajji Tankina Pulli, Tulu Sahithya Charitre and Beera.

On Saturday, the Tulu Academy paid tribute to Dr. Nandavara by placing his mortal remains at the open-air theatre in Urwa Store, allowing the public to pay their last respects. Dignitaries including Speaker UT Khader, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, Kannada Development Authority Chairman Purushotham Bilimale, Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy Chairman Umar UH, former MLA JR Lobo, and scholars Prabhakar Joshi and Chinnappa Gowda were among those who attended.

Fulfilling his final wish, Dr. Nandavara’s body was donated to KS Hegde Medical Academy.