Renowned Tulu scholar Dr. Palthady Ramakrishna Achar passes away

Team Udayavani, May 8, 2024, 8:52 AM IST

Mangaluru: Renowned folk arts scholar Dr. Palthady Ramakrishna Achar passed away on Tuesday, May 7. He was 79.

Dr Achar had formerly served as head of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy and was a respected scholar in folk literature.

According to family sources, his funeral will be held on May 8 at 12 noon at his home in Palthady village, Puttur taluk.

He is survived by his wife, Suma R Achar, daughters Kira P R and Supriya P R, son Harshvardhan P R, son-in-law Krishna M V and Jayapal H R, daughter-in-law Sudha T J, and grandchildren Suhrut, Sahaja, Niswana, Avalokita, Nalme, and Atmiya.

About Dr Achar

Dr. Achar completed his education at various institutions including Bettampadi and Panaje High Schools, Bellare Board High School, Sant Philomena College in Puttur, and the Government Education Training Institute in Ujire.

His doctoral research focused on Nalikke ethnic dances.

He began his career as a teacher at Kuntur School in 1963, later serving as a lecturer at Uppinangadi, Bettampady, and Kanyyur Papu Colleges. Post-retirement, he served as the Honorary Principal of Vidyarashmi Teacher Training Institute in Savanur.

In 1970, Achar authored “Sahitya Krishi,” a comprehensive work that included Yakshagana Prasanga titled “Bangla Vijaya,” children’s poetry, story collections, and folklore. He advocated for the development of the Tulu language and was appointed as the president of the Tulu Academy in recognition of his efforts.

Dr. Achar was at the forefront of the campaign to include the Tulu language in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution and received numerous awards, including recognition from the Janapada Academy and Tulu Academy.