Renowned Kannada scholar M Chidananda Murthy passes away; PM expresses condolence
11 Jan 2020 17:17:50
New Delhi, January 11: Noted Kannada scholar and activist M Chidananda Murthy passed away today at the age of 88. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise saying, ““Murthy was a doyen of culture and literature. His passion towards Kannada language was noteworthy and so were his efforts to preserve unique aspects of rich history.”
Murthy was known for his campaign to save the monuments of Hampi, a UNESCO world heritage site. Murthy, born on May 10, 1931, at Hirekogalur, in Channagiri taluk of Davanagere district, served as a Kannada lecturer in Tumakuru, Kolar, and Bengaluru and later became Head of Department of Kannada in Bangalore University. He got his PhD on ancient Kannada poet Pampa.
Dr. M Chidananda Murthy was a doyen of culture and literature. His passion towards Kannada language was noteworthy and so were his efforts to preserve unique aspects of our rich history. His demise is saddening. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 11, 2020
Murthy specialised in the history of the Kannada language and ancient Karnataka. Through the Kannada Shakti Kendra in the 1960s, he fought to secure classical language status to the Kannada Language. Murthy has authored more than 25 literary works in Kannada and was popularly known as ‘Chi Mu’ in the Kannada literary circles.
Murthy is survived by his wife and two children.