Mysore/Mysuru: Rich tributes were paid to senior folk scholar Dr. Jayalakshmi Seethapura by many speakers at a function jointly organised by District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Sahitya Kalakoota and Kannada Female Writers (Lekhakiyara) Trust at District Kannada Sahitya Bhavan in Vijayanagar 1st Stage recently.

Senior writer Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK) recalled the unforgettable services rendered by Dr. Jayalakshmi to the literary field and particularly to folk literature.

Chairman of Suyog Hospital Dr. S.P. Yoganna, who himself has contributed various medical literature, said that when he came to know about the accident involving Dr. Jayalakshmi, he immediately advised to bring her to his hospital.

“At the hospital, all types of tests were done and fortunately there was no damage to brain. Though there was fracture in the backbone, it didn’t harm the brain and we hoped  she will recover soon and she started walking in three days responding to treatment,” he said.

 “When I was on a tour of Shivamogga, hospital staff called me to inform that though all parameters are normal, her breathing is hard and being treated in ICU. Dr. Jayalakshmi  died because of stoppage of blood flow to lungs as there was blood clot. Medically, it is a rare case. This problem was not diagnosed in any of the tests. I am really pained by the demise of Dr. Jayalakshmi who had cast her influence on me,” rued Dr. Yoganna.

President of District Kannada Sahitya Parishat Maddikere Gopal who also spoke said that Dr. Jayalakshmi ably served in Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) and used to collect medical data by visiting people at their doorsteps. She used to educate people on population control, he added.

Director of Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies Prof. N.K. Lolakshi said that Dr. Jayalakshmi who was her colleague was very well-versed in all forms of folk and even students of other subjects used to attend her classes to listen her scholarly lectures.

Prof. Preeti Shubhachandra said Dr. Jayalakshmi had strong connection with folk and nurtured relationships throughout her life.

Prof. D.K. Rajendra also spoke. Karnataka Sanskrit University former VC Prof. Padma Shekar, Kalakoota President M. Chandrashekar, Prof. M. Nanjaiah Honganur, Meena Mysuru, B.C. Manjula, Prof. Kyatanahalli Ramanna, Prof. Mylahalli Revanna and others also offered their tributes to Dr. Jayalakshmi.