Madikeri: Veteran littérateur N. Mahabaleshwar Bhat (91) passed away here on Sunday night. He leaves behind three sons, a daughter and a host of relatives and friends. A resident of Biligeri near Madikeri, Bhat had retired from service after serving as the Principal of Madikeri Government PU college.

His last rites were performed at Biligeri on Monday.

After retirement, he had identified himself with various associations. He had a stint in polities too by being an active member of the Congress party and had served the party as the District Vice-President.

He is credited with writing the felicitation volume of renowned Kodagu writer Bharatisuta and had edited a book on writer Panje Mangesh Rao.

He had chaired Madikeri Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held at Moornad and also Kodagu District Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held at Chembu.