Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, May 14: The coastal literary and cultural world was plunged into mourning on Wednesday, May 14, following the passing of noted Kannada litterateur, researcher, and cultural scholar Nandalike Balachandra Rao at the age of 72.
A distinguished figure in Kannada and Tulu literature, Rao’s demise marks the end of a significant era in the intellectual and cultural life of coastal Karnataka.
Born on March 12, 1953 in the culturally vibrant Udupi district, Rao devoted his life to the preservation and promotion of the Kannada language and Tulu heritage.
With a career that began in 1979 as an educator, he went on to serve in numerous academic institutions and also brought his multidisciplinary knowledge to roles at Karnataka Bank, seamlessly merging his administrative acumen with cultural advocacy.
Known for his prolific writing and incisive literary criticism, Rao’s contributions extended well beyond academia. He was a frequent contributor to Kannada daily Udayavani, where his thoughtful essays offered deep insights into the region’s cultural and historical fabric. His work, according to colleagues, often “illuminated unexplored facets of local heritage and tradition.”
In addition to his writing, Rao was also committed to community upliftment through literature. He took on leadership roles in various cultural forums and notably served as president of the CPAI Literary Forum in 2006.
His efforts earned him numerous awards and accolades, cementing his reputation as a scholar with deep cultural insight and social consciousness.
Rao remained a vital part of the region’s cultural heartbeat, actively engaging with literary and heritage organisations, and advocating for grassroots literature and the safeguarding of regional traditions. Friends and peers remember him not only as a scholar of high repute but also as a man of humility and unwavering dedication.
“The literary community has lost a beacon of knowledge and compassion,” said one cultural forum member. “His legacy will live on through his writings and the institutions he strengthened.”
His passing leaves a deep void in the Kannada and Tulu academic communities, and his contributions to education, folklore, journalism, and cultural preservation will continue to inspire future generations.