An apparent heart attack in Bengaluru claimed the life of well-known Kannada author Kamala Hampana on June 21, 2024. Her age was eighty-eight.
In addition to being a writer, Kamala Hampana was also a scholar, an educator, a researcher, and a literary critic. On October 28, 1935, she was born in Bengaluru’s rural area of Devanahalli. She penned and published around 60 Kannada books in a variety of genres throughout the course of a career spanning more than six decades.In addition, she authored two English-language books. In reference to her research, she produced and worked on nine documents.
The government honoured her with the renowned Dana Chintamani Attimabbe Award in recognition of her remarkable career. In addition, she received other prestigious honours for her enormous contributions to literature and the arts, such as the Sahitya Akademi Award, Rajyotsava Prashasti, Kittur Rani Chennamma Award, Baba Amte Award, and Nadoja Award. She presided over the 71st Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in 2003, which took place in Moodabidri.
Following her passing, a number of prominent politicians used social media to pay their respects and offer their condolences.
“I am saddened by the unexpected death of veteran writer Dr Kamala Hampana,” Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posted on X, formerly Twitter, in remembrance of Kamala Hampana. Dr. Kamala was well-known not just for her literary works but also for her research and teaching. All she hoped for in life was nice. I too am grieving for the family of Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah.
The body of Kamala Hampana will be donated to Ramaiah Medical College in accordance with her wishes. Her spouse, writer and academic Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah, their two daughters, and their son survive her.
The significant works of Kamala Hampana
During her life, Kamala Hampana created poetry and fiction, and she released 60 volumes. Among her well-known creations are three radio plays, an autobiography, and a collection of four stories. ‘Attimabbe and Chalukyas’ and ‘Jainism and Other Essays’ are the two English-language publications she also wrote.
Ms. Hampana worked as a translator and editor as well. Among other books, she translated “Annihilation of Caste” by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. She identified herself throughout her life and contributed to numerous Dalit and women’s initiatives.
She also conducted a great deal of study, particularly in the area of Jaina literature. Her primary research interests were Jainology, or the study of Jainism, and ancient Kannada literature.
We send our sympathies to her friends and family.
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