Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Sep 13: Well-known scholar, Korgi Venkateshwara Upadhyaya (60), passed away due to cardiac arrest in a private hospital in Mangalore on Monday September 12. He is survived by wife and two daughters.
Upadhyaya, who had in-depth knowledge in Sanskrit, was also known for his proficiency in Kannada. He was from Korgi in Kundapur taluk. After finishing education at Sanskrit College here, he worked as teacher in a high school in Kateel till his retirement. His mastery over grammar and prosody in both the above languages was profound.
He wrote a number of books including some Yakshagana Prasangas. He also wrote several books providing detailed meaning and procedures of certain Vedic rituals. Apart from writing a number of rich articles relating to words in ‘Kasturi’ Kannada monthly, he released nine CDs containing Sanskrit hymns. He was known for his skilful oratory and ability to effectively don Yakshagana roles in Talamaddale opposite scholars like Sheni and Samaga.
Upadhyaya had formed the children’s Yakshagana team in Kateel, and had led the troupe to several corners of the state for performances. He also guided several Yakshagana artistes.
Upadhyaya had won several awards including Sri Rama Vittala Award conferred by Pejavar Swamiji, Yaksha Lahari Award, and others.
A number of Yakshagana organizations and dignitaries have mourned his untimely demise.