UDUPI: Eminent stage artiste, poet, writer and Rajyotsava awardee Udyavara Madhav Acharya passed away on Monday. He was 80. Acharya who was undergoing treatment at Kasturba Hospital leaves behind his wife and four children. An accomplished lecturer in economics, Acharya initially worked in Bhandarkar's College, Kundapur from 1965 to 1969 and later at Poornaprajna College, Udupi from 1969 to 1996.
Born on March 25, 1941, Acharya’s forte in writing short stories and drama brought him to the literary forefront during the 1970s. His collection of short stories – Baagida Mara, Samagra Katha is his outstanding piece of writing. His keenness to experiment with Kannada theatre saw him launch Samuha, an institution through which he directed dramas and ballets of repute and his experiments – Shabari, Matte Ramana Kathe brought him accolades.
Acharya, who served as a member of Karnataka Janapada Academy, also chaired the fourth Kannada Sahitya Sammelana of Udupi district. He choreographed classical dance and yakshagana for his theatre productions. His noted anthologies of poems include Rangasthalada Kanavarikegalu, Hu Midi Haadu and Radhe Emba Gathe. He also showcased his acting skills with popular Kannada serial of yesteryears Guddada Bootha.
Mangalore University had prescribed his book Paachaya as text for undergraduate students of arts. Na Mogasale, founder president, Kannada Sangha, Kantavara while expressing shock at the demise of Acharya said the Kanthavara Lalitala award that the Sangha was scheduled to confer on him as part of its endowment awards on December 13 will now be done so posthumously. He was an excellent orator, noted Vasudev Bhat, social activist.