HAVERI: Karnataka Bayalata Academy president, Gotagodi’s Rock Garden founder and artist
TB Solabakkanvar passed away due to post-Covid complications in the wee hours of Thursday.
Solabakkanvar was admitted at a private hospital in Hubballi. Solabakkanvar, who was a famous artist in Fine Art, has given employment to more than 200 artists at Rock Garden near Gotgodi, which is a famous park. He had established many parks with his molding arts across the state. He was felicitated with many awards, including Karnataka Rajyotsava award, in 2006. The Karnataka Folklore University had honoured him with an honorary doctorate in 2018.
Solabakkanvar's family included has wife, son and daughter. His cremation will be held near Rock Garden on Thursday afternoon. Chief minister BS Yediyurappa, home minister and Haveri district-in-charge minister Basavaraj Bommai, agriculture minister BC Patil and Union minister Pralhad Joshi expressed their condolences over Solabakkanvar's death.