Shivamogga: Noted Kannada Writer and Thinker Dr.  Norbert D’Souza, popularly known as Dr. Na. D’Souza, passed away at a private hospital in Mangaluru yesterday. He was 87. 

Dr. D’Souza is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at his residence in Sagara, said his son Naveen N. D’Souza. Funeral is expected to be held later in the day today.

Born on June 6, 1937, to F.P. D’Souza and Roopina D’Souza couple, Dr. N. D’Souza grew up to become one of the celebrated writers in Kannada literature and cinema. He has authored 37 novels, four plays and 28 children literary works apart from writing hundreds of short stories.

His novels Kaadina Benki and Dweepa which were adapted into movies, have bagged with Rajat Kamal and Swarna Kamal awards respectively. His work Mulugadeya Oorige Bandavaru was awarded with Bala Sahitya Award by Kendra Sahitya Akademi in 2011. He also received numerous awards including the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, Gulwadi Venkatrao Award, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Mangaluru Sandesha Award, New Delhi Katha Award, Puttur Niranjana Sahitya Award.  Dr. N. D’Souza also served as the President of 80th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Madikeri during 2014.