Late K.A. Udupa: Kinnigolian Doyen of Literature
Last Updated on Monday, 21 December 2009 12:38 Written by Administrator Saturday, 19 December 2009 00:00
Late Mr. K.A. Udupa ( Kodathur Anatha Padmanabha Udupa) is the doyen, who through his meritorious work in the field of literature and publishing, has earned a name for himself in Kannada literary circles and has earned a eminent position for the little village of Kinnigoli on the literary map of Karnataka. Born in Kodathur (2.5 miles from Kinnigoli) Mr. Udupa through his determination and single minded effort has played a praiseworthy role of promoting Kannada language and culture in an admirable manner and astonishing magnitude.
He was born on January 5th of 1925 to Mr. Tammiah and Gangamma. His paternal ancestors were natives of Kandavara near Kundapura. The family records show that their ancestors moved to Kodathur to take care the religious duties of hermitage Devasva Mata. The family tree is full of achievers. excelled in varying fields of service, prominent among them is Mr. K.A. Udupa.
His flair for learning was evident from early childhood. He learnt Rigveda for four years and priestly practices for one year; his father himself was his Guru. He did his primary studies in Kateel Durgaparameshwari temple and did 5 years of Sanskrit study at Udupi Sanskrit college. In 1944, 1945 he studied for Kannada “Kava” and “Jana” certification. He earned his Sankrtita Shoriomani degree in 1947 and capped it with Kannada Vidwaan degree from Madras University in 1950. By 1954 he had passed Hindhi Praveen and Pracharak.
On, June 1st . 1954, He joined Pompei Junior College as a lecturer and taught Kannada and Hindi. He retired from the institute after 35 years of noteworthy service. His flair for language and culture benefited thousands of his students in whom he inculcated love for learning and passion for language and literature. He believed in inspiring students to take up learning as a passion and not a burden. He ran Samanwaya school magazine for decades. He inspired students and teachers to involve in literary activities.
Yugapurusha and Mr. Udupa identities are so entwined that his introduction is incomplete without the mention of Yugapurusha. His brainchild (mansa putra) Yugapurush was born on October 15th 1947. It was initially run by the trio of Mr. Udupa, Mr. S.L. Narayan Bhat and Mr. Bannaje Ramacharya. Within years it was allowed to Mr Udupa’s sole care. Initially published in Kallyanpur press, it was shifted to Udupi and when Mr Udupa decided to make his birthplace his domain of service (karmabhoomi) Yugapurusha too came to Kinniogli. In the beginning local press Anand printers published it but later it acquired its own establishment.
Innumerable predicaments that publishers in Kannada language have to face are known to everyone. Mr. Udupa miraculously performed his task to ensure that Yugapurusha sustained, survived and excelled.
He dedicated major part of his life for Yugapurusha. He ran from pillar to post to ensure its financial stability. He kept sending it to all subscribers even after years of expiry of subscription. When financial troubles lurked, he sought helps from hoteliers and industrialist (staying in other states) of the twin districts who obliged and helped Mr Udupa in his noble cause. Thanks to his efforts, Yugapurusha crossed 60 years of fruitful existence. Mrs. Kamalaskhi Udupa and Mr. Bhuvanabirama Udupa have done justice to Mr Udupa’s dream and vision till date.
It needs only a glance through the pages of Yugapurusha to have a fair judgement about Mr. Udupa’s values and life style. He didn’t go after cheap entertainment but set his aim high on thoughtful, philosophical and spiritual writings. He never allowed commercial consideration to alter his philosophy of editorial ship. Through it, he shared articles of great thinkers, writers and philosophers. By proliferating good literature he helped to create healthy reading taste and better reading habits among masses. His editorials were rich in thought at the same time within the reach of intellectual faculties of ordinary reader.
One more great accomplishment of Mr Udupa is his contribution in inspiring hundreds of writers to serve mother Kannada. He gave opportunity to numerous newcomers and budding writers, in the bargain he sometimes even allowed writers who were not fully ripened to publish books. Mr. Udupa believed that ,in promising writers, the craft would bloom fully when confidence is built and opportunities are given. His vision and thinking was proved right as many of those whom he encouraged went on to become renowned and acclaimed writers.
Dasara-Deepavali special editions of Yugapurusha were brought out by him with an enthusiasm unprecedented in those days. Around 200 pages of quality literature was produced year after year with articles of writers of wide spectrum and genre supporting it. Many people still proudly preserve these issues and keep them for reference and re-reading.
From being a magazine Yugapurusha institution evolved into a publishing house. This transformation came upon as a boon to literary community of the twin districts. A whopping 452 books have been published and hundreds of authors have been promoted by this publication till date. Renowned writers like Prof Venkatesh Hunshikatti, Shri KG Mallya, Dr S Hosabettu, Dr N Mogasale, Subraya Chokkadi, P. Seetharama Bhat, P. Vaduiraja Tanthri, P. Srinivasa Bhat, J Srinivas Bhat, Sumukhananda Jalavalli, K.N. Bhat Shiradipal, S Padmanabhacharya and many more came to light and made a name for themselves.
Yugapurusha establishment has also played another vital role in the surroundings. It has taken enthusiastic leadership in promoting cultural, religious, spiritual and charitable activities. Yugapurusha Hall is epicenter of every cultural event that happens in Kinnigoli. Mr. Udupa and these days his son has magnanimously allowed various individuals and associations to hold cultural and beneficial activities here.
He left his mortal form for heavenly abode on 24th July 1992.
Innumerable awards and recognitions have been bestowed upon Mr. Uduapa and Yuapurusha by various associations, institutions and bodies. Listing them would be an enormous task and would be beyond the scope of this article. However it must be mentioned that the institution has made all the Kinnigolians proud by bagging award of Kannada Sahitya Parishath (Incidentally Mr. Udupa’s son Mr. Bhuvanabhirama Udupa has also bagged this coveted recognition later on).
In 2006 on the eve of Golden Jubilee celebration of Unification of Karnataka State, when government of Karnataka announced special recognition to those who had made phenomenal contribution for the cause of unification, Yugapurusha’s name deservedly was taken among the first. The association thus got its well deserved due. Today in its 63rd year of existence it is ably run by Mr Bhuvanabhirama Udupa with blessings and support from Mrs Kamalkshi Udupa. It is a proud fact for all of us Kinnigolians that it is The longest surviving Kannada Monthly in entire state of Karnataka.
Kinnigoli.com fondly and proudly remembers this great soul.
Literary contributions of Mr. K.A. Udupa:
Samarpane – collection of Poems
Suma Sanchaya- Collection of poems.
Tumbida Bindige- Collection of poems
Jodi Modi – Collection of poems.
Around 10 collections of essays.
Biographies of historical women of Karnataka.
Many books on religious centre of Kateel
Kutila Kaala Historical Novel
Deena Maana – Historical Drama.
Karunadootha- Devadutha- Drama on Life of Jesus Christ.
And innumerable short stories, articles and translations etc.
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