Mysore/Mysuru: Former Hampi Kannada University Vice-Chancellor Prof. H.J. Lakkappagowda (84) passed away at his residence on Aniketana road  in Kuvempunagar here yesterday due to age-related illness.

He leaves behind his wife Kamalamma, son H.L. Ravindraprasad, daughter Dr. Kala and a host of relatives and friends.

Prof. Lakkapagowda  had also served as a member of Karnataka State Language Commission and as Chairman of Karnataka Janapada and Yakshagana Academy and Kannada Book Authority. He was the Founder- President of Kannada Janapada Parishat and Chairman of South Indian Languages Folklore Studies Centre. 

He has many works to his credit including ‘Vasantha Geetha’, ‘Sooji Sampige’, Vachana Torana’, Vishwakavi Kuvempu’, ‘Dalitha Soorya’, ‘Janapada Kathavali’ ‘Ogatugalu’ etc. He had also written several books on Folklore in English.

He had won many awards and prizes including  the award given by the then Mysore Government, Vishwamanava Literary Award, Janapada Tagna Award and Rajyotsava Award.

Last rites were performed at Kuvempunagar burial grounds this afternoon, according to family sources.