Mysuru: Maddikere Gopal (77), President of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Mysuru District Unit and a resident of Gayathripuram, passed away following a massive heart attack at Jayadeva Hospital in the wee hours of today.

He was admitted to the hospital three days back following a mild heart attack and underwent stent placement yesterday.

He leaves behind his wife Dr. Anusuya Gopal (retired Ophthalmologist), daughter Mala, son-in-law Bhavani Shankar, grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

The body was kept at his residence for the public to pay their last respects and was later taken to Kannada Sahitya Parishat premises in Vijayanagar where it was kept for some time.

Former MLC D. Madegowda, pro-Kannada activist Mugur Nanjundaswamy, littérateurs, authors, novelists, leaders of various organisations and others paid their last respects to the mortal remains of Maddikere Gopal.

Last rites were held at the foot of Chamundi Hill at about 4 pm.

Born on Sept. 11 in 1948 to Halamma and Somegowda couple as the second son, he completed his middle school education at Gowdahalli and Daaradahalli, high school education at Mudigere and Chikkamagalur and did his graduation in law at Mysuru.

He was elected as the President of Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat in 2008 and served till 2011 and was re-elected in 2021 and was serving as the President till his demise today. He had also served as the President of Family Planning Association India (FPAI), Mysuru Branch.

He was the recipient of Kannada Rajyotsava Award, Kannada Kulapurohita Alur Venkataraya Award, Vidyaranya Award, Hoysala Sri and other numerous awards.