Ra Gow multi-faceted personality: Sanskrit varsity V-C

Writer felicitated for receiving Rajyotsava honour

He was speaking at a programme organised by Ra Gow Abhimani Balaga at Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) premises to honour the writer for being conferred with the Kannada Rajyotsava award recently.

Ramegowda, popular as Ra Gow, is a confluence of writer, poet, and organiser and his long standing relationship with various activities he is involved in is proof to this, lauded Venkatesh. His anthology of poems brought out way back in the 60s was par excellence and so was his thesis on ancient history for PhD degree, he recalled.

Recalling his tenure as chairman of Kannada Book Authority (KBA), Venkatesh said Ramegowda was one among the members of the authority. Ramegowda’s contribution to the authority was distinct, as an editor responsible for bringing out the works of Sarvagna.

What endears a literary lover to Ramegowda’s works is his style of writing, which can be felt still in ‘Abhivyakti’ a journal dedicated for the cause of literature.

Principal of Vidyavardhaka First Grade College Shivaram Kadanakuppe was surprised to know that Rajyotsava honour had eluded Ramegowda for long. “When most of the disciples of Ramegowda have already won the prestigious award given by the state government, he (Ramegowda) he has won the award now”, lamented Kadanakuppe. Moreover, Ramegowda didn’t lobby for any award, as the honours have always followed him.

Kadanakuppe said, Ramegowda is a guardian for many students and he (Kadanakuppe) was one among them. His contribution to Kannada Study Centre at the University of Mysore is also immense. He still remains a source of inspiration to the centre, even after his retirement from service.

KSOU vice-chancellor K S Rangappa, Ramegowda’s wife Yashoda Ramegowda, publisher D N Lokappa and A Rangaswamy and others were present on the occasion.