Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 18: President of Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy, well-known author of Yakshagana Prasangas and gifted orator Prof M A Hegde (73) passed away in the city on Sunday April 18 morning on account of breathing difficulties caused by coronavirus.

Prof Hegde was diagnosed with Covid infection on April 13 and was in home isolation. On Sunday morning, Hegde started experiencing breathing problems. He passed away before he could be admitted to a hospital, sources said.

Hegde was a lecturer in Kadasiddeshwara Arts College and PP Jabin College, Hubballi. He had also served in the capacity of Sanskrit lecturer later. He had contributed immensely to the art of Yakshagana and for the welfare of Yakshagana artistes.

Hegde had in-depth knowldege in Yakshagana. He was a gifted Yakshagana stage artiste. He also had created over 15 Yakshagana episodes including Seeta Viyoga, Trishanku Charite, Raja Kandama among others. He also had written books on the issues of Alankara Tatawa, Indian philosophy, and Brahmasutra among others.

Prof Hegde, who was a native of Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district, had settled down in Vidyaranyapuram here.

He has left behind his wife, a son, a daughter and scores of friends and relatives.