Mysuru: Noted economist and columnist Prof. R.M. Chintamani (81) passed away at JSS Hospital in the city yesterday.

A resident of J.P. Nagar, he leaves behind his wife Sarojini, daughters Renuka and Manjula and a host of relatives and friends.

A native of Bilgi in Bagalkot district, Prof. Chintamani began his teaching career at JSS Banashankari Arts and Commerce College at Vidyagiri in Dharwad.

Later, he moved to Mysuru and served as a Professor at JSS College in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru for several years.

In 2001, he was promoted as a Director of JSS Post-Graduate (PG) Studies Centre at Kollegal, before retiring from service. As a columnist, he used to write articles in a couple of newspapers on Economic matters.

One of his notable achievements in his decades long career was the report he submitted to the then Railway Minister Madhu Dandavate on survey of Chamarajanagar-Mettupalayam Railway line in 1978, which he did by walking along the proposed route.

His body was donated to JSS Hospital as per his wish, according to family sources.