Bengaluru, Jan. 10: Noted Kannada writer Prof. Chandrashekhar Patil, well-known as Champa, passed away in Bengaluru on Monday. He was 82-year-old and was suffering from age-related health problems. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced that the funeral will be held with full state honours.
Family sources said he passed away at a private hospital near Konanakunte on Monday morning. His mortal remains are kept at his residence in Yelachenahalli for the public to pay last respects. Patil has left behind his wife, son, and, daughter.
Born in Hattimattur village of Haveri district, Patil was a professorĀ of English at Karnataka University, Dharwad, and editor of ‘Sankramana’, a Kannada literary publication. He attained fame as a revolutionary writer and was fondly called Champa. He was at the forefrontĀ of Gokak and many other movements for the cause of Kannada and Karnataka. He strongly advocated Kannada to be the medium of instruction in education. He has also served as the head of the Kannada Development Authority and Kannada Sahitya Parishat. Champa was awarded the prestigious ‘Basavasri’ award, Rajyotsava award, and many more.

Personalities from various fields have expressed their condolences, while Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed his grief terming Champa’s death as an immense loss for the Kannada literary world. “His writings with independent thought were sharp. He used to hold a mirror to the system through his insightful presentation of the issues,” Bommai said.

Recalling Champa’s association with his family, the CM said, “He was close to my father. Champa, who was a guide for me, has left us. It is a big loss for the literary world”.
Patil’s funeral will be held at Kalagrama today with full state honours with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.