Sir,

Monday, the 5th of February, 2018 turned out to be a day of grief, of pathos and one of anguish. When Prof. B. Mahananda (71) breathed his last, it was curtains down for a long-lasting cherishing friendship of nearly six decades starting from K.R. Nagar Government Middle School up to his demise.

My friend Mahananda, fondly known as Bapu, was afflicted by kidney failure in his last days but the way he withstood the pain and agony was a singular instance of forbearance. His equanimity showed itself when I made a phone call to him on my return from overseas. He weakly said, “This is all I am left with (feeble voice) and cannot speak more words. Friends are requested not to call on me.”

I realised with sadness that it was a sure sign of failing health and of a broken spirit but one that maintained its poise and dignity while slipping into that ethereal realm.

Mahananda had done his ‘kayaka’ well as a teacher and Placement Officer at Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), had embraced the cause of helping the poor, the needy and the meritorious. The Institution had recognised his contribution and effort to uplift the sanctity of the office he held. Bapu had also worked for a Kannada daily newspaper and later on at The New Indian Express and excelled in journalistic flair.

Mahananda was generous to a fault and his grin was infectious. I recollect fondly the many times we met at the Gangothri Canteen where we savoured some delicious dishes and he always came forward to foot the bill. Many a book my friends and I have read were bought by him.

With the sad demise of an academician and a good Samaritan, the city has lost an upright, courteous and magnanimous gentleman. RIP dear friend.

– B.K. Viswanath, Mysuru, 8.2.2018

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