Mysuru: Veteran writer and activist Malali Vasanthkumar (76), also a retired Kannada Professor of University of Mysore (UoM), passed away at the residence of his son at Bengaluru yesterday following brief illness.

He leaves behind his wife Shantha, son Ranna Malali, daughter M.V. Roopa and a host of relatives and friends. His another daughter Vasu Malali had predeceased him a few years ago.

Malali Vasanthkumar , a native of Malali in Hassan district, began his  teaching career as a Kannada faculty in city’s Maharaja and Yuvaraja Colleges. He later became the Personal Secretary of veteran writer De.Ja. Gow (D.Javaregowda) when he was the Vice-Chancellor of UoM decades ago, following which he served as the Director of the University’s Post-Graduate Centres at Hassan and Mandya.

Malali Vasanthkumar, who was among the close associates of poet laureate Kuvempu, took the lead in many social struggles and movements. He had also played a key role in Gokak Movement that had rocked the State in early 1980’s. He also played a vital role in the demand for classical status for Kannada language. He was also a prolific writer, having many works to his credit. 

His body was kept for public viewing  in front of  Town Hall in the city this morning for a couple of hours, following which the last rites were performed at his farm (Bhoomithayi) at Kalalawadi on Manandawadi Road later today, according to family sources.