Dharwad: Noted critic, poet and teacher Dr. Giraddi Govindaraj (79) died of a massive heart attack at his residence in Dharwad yesterday. He leaves behind his wife Saroja, two sons and two daughters.

Dr. Govindaraj was alone at home when he reportedly suffered a heart attack in the evening. When his wife returned, she found he was not responding and took him to a nearby hospital, where the doctors declared him brought dead.

Born in 1939 at Abbigeri in Ron taluk of then Dharwad district (now Gadag), he studied at Karnatak College for his BA and did his MA in English and Kannada and Ph.D from Karnatak University. He was Professor of English at Karnatak University and also served in Dharwad and Kalaburagi PG Centres of the University.

A recipient of several awards, including Rajyotsava award (2002), Lifetime Award of Karnataka Sahitya Academy (1992) and many other prizes.

Dr. Govindaraj had also served as Chairman of Karnataka Sahitya Academy. He had also played an active role in organising Dharwad Sahitya Sambhrama in recent years.After beginning to write poems from his College days, he wrote poetry, critical essays, short stories and edited several volumes in both Kannada and English.

Dr. Giraddi’s mortal remains was kept at his residence in Nirmal Nagar here till 11 am this morning for people to pay their last respects, following which the body was taken to his native Abbigeri village for last rites, according to sources.