Madikeri: Noted Kodava writer and former Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Member Mullengada Baby Chondamma (78) passed away at her house in Kandangala near Virajpet last night.

She leaves behind her husband Mullengada Shankari Ponnappa, the editor of Kodava weekly Thook Bolak, son Mullengada Madhosh Poovaiah, who is the former President of Virajpet Taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat and a large number of relatives and well-wishers.

Chondamma, a retired Hindi teacher, was ailing for some time. Her body has been donated to JSS Medical College in Mysuru, said family sources. Chondamma used to write in four languages — Kodava, Kannada, Hindi and English —and was the sub-editor of Thook Bolak weekly for many years. She was actively involved in many literary and sports activities held in Kodagu and served in the Textbook Creation Committee of the State Government.