Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Dec 30: Veteran journalist, critic and writer A Ishwarayya aged 78, died on Sunday morning, December 30 at his home located in Lakshmindra Nagar, near Indrali. He was born on August 12, 1940. He was suffering from age related issues and was sick since the last few days.

Ishwarayya graduated in English at MGM College in Udupi. While pursuing his early education, he learned music from Vishnu Kallurai of Mangaluru. A versatile artist, he was quick to learn flute, violin and clarinet.

Ishwarayya was a multifaceted personality. He was an outstanding photojournalist, good writer, powerful orator who was able capture the audience for hours with his speech.

Before entering into journalism, Ishwarayya served as a first-division clerk in the PWD department for five years. He wrote over 60 stories during that period which were published in famous Kannada magazines such as Sudha, Mayura, Prajamatha, Mallige, Ajantha and Kasturi. He wrote many rational articles in English and Kannada languages. Ishwarayya was also a talented dramatist.

His career as a journalist started after he joined Udayavani as magazine editor in 1972. He was the founder editor of Tushara monthly. He served as senior editor in Udayavani. He also founded the 'Raga Dvani’ music class in Udupi.

He has released books on story collections namely ‘Pramana’, ‘Avasana’ and ‘Sarasa’ is his essay collection.

He had presented paper in the seminar conducted by Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy at Mysuru, Udupi, Moodabidri. He was a resource person in the workshop conducted by Karnataka Patrika Academy at Hassan, Udupi, Mangaluru, Shivamogga and Karwar.

Ishwarayya interviewed eminent dancers and musicians like Mallika Sarabhai, Chittibabu etc. for All India Radio.

He was a master in classical music, dance, Yakshagana and Photography.

He has received many prestigious awards from many organisations for his invaluable contributions made in different fields. He presided over Sangeeta Sammelana held at Mangaluru and Kasargod.

He has chaired Yakshagana Sammelana held at Mumbai and was honoured by Classical Music Committee Karkala, Sangeeta Parishat, Mangaluru, Image, Puttur, Creative Camera Club, Mangaluru, Karnataka Patrika Academy Award in 2000, Sandesha Journalism Award 2001, Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy Award in 2001 and so on.

Ishwarayya is survived by his three children.