Folklore expert and writer Amruta Someshvara passes away

Team Udayavani, Jan 6, 2024, 10:33 AM IST

Mangaluru: Renowned writer and expert on Tulu folk arts Amruta Someshvara passed away at his residence in the city. He was 89.

Amruta Someshvara, born in Kotekaru village near Mangaluru, dedicated his life to literature and language development. His educational journey started at Stella Mary’s Convent, Kotekar, followed by high school studies at Anandashram. He pursued bachelor’s at Aloysius College and later completed his MA from Karnataka University.

He joined the Kannada Department at St Aloysius College, later became a lecturer at St Philomena College, Puttur. He also headed the Kannada Department at Vivekananda College, Puttur until retirement in 1993. Post-retirement, he contributed as a Visiting Professor at Mangalore University’s Department of Kannada Studies.

Amruta Someshvara passionately championed language and cultural initiatives, co-founding the Kannada Sangha and Yakshagana Sangha. His literary contributions were prolific, encompassing various forms like short stories, novels, plays, and poetry.

Notable works include ‘Elegili,’ ‘Rudrasile Sakshi,’ ‘Kempu Nenapu,’ ‘Vanamale,’ ‘Theerada Tere,’ ‘Yakshagana Kriti Samputa’, ‘Tulu Paddanada Kathegalu,’ ‘Avilu,’ ‘Tulu Syangatu,’ ‘Yakshagana Hejjegurutu,’ and ‘Bhagwati Aradhane,’ among others.

He is well known for writing dramas for the Thenkatittu Yakshagana.

His versatility extended to Tulu literature, evidenced in plays like ‘Thambila,’ ‘Rangita,’ ‘Gondol,’ and ‘Raya Ravute.’He had also provided lyrics for numerous soundtracks.

Amruta Someshvara was a recipient of numerous awards throughout his career, recognizing his significant contributions. Among these were accolades from institutions like the Karnataka Sahitya Academy, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award. His dedication to folk culture and Yakshagana earned him recognition from the Karnataka Folk and Yakshana Academy. He was also bestowed with the prestigious ‘Bhasha Samman’ award by the Kendra Sahitya Akademi in 2016.