Prof. Biddatanda C. Ponnappa (retd.) passed away in Bengaluru yesterday. He was 96.

A towering personality in the field of education, he served in institutions in Madikeri, Tumakuru, Mangaluru and returned to Madikeri as Principal of Field Marshal Cariappa Government College.

Post retirement, he served as Principal, Cauvery Women’s College, Virajpet. He was very active and rendered yeoman service to several educational institutions in Kodagu. He was a member of Mysore University Syndicate also. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. His last rites will be held at his native in Napoklu around noon tomorrow (Sept.12).