DHARWAD: The district has lost another prominent writer and poet in Chennaveer Kanavi (93) on Wednesday morning at SDM hospital in Sattur at Dharwad.
Kanavi was suffering from age-related health issues and was also tested positive for the Covid-19.
He was shifted to the hospital in January due to difficulty in breathing and a couple of days later, he tested positive for Covid. Upon treatment, Kanavi’s Covid test returned negative but his health deteriorated due to the infection in his chest and weaker condition of other body parts.
The District administration is planning to keep the mortal remains at KCD for public viewing until the last rites are performed at the writer’s farmhouse in Kelgeri. Kanavi’s wife was also cremated at the same farmhouse after her passing recently.
Speaking to TNIE senior writer Siddalinga Pattanshetty said that he was impressed when he saw Kanavi at the government school and later followed him and his writings beginning with Navyadvani which was edited by Kanavi and the past principal Gokak sir.
“He is the person who remained as a model for other writers. His innocence, politeness and humble character inspire young writers. My most memorable incident involving him is when Kanavi and the former vice-chancellor Pavate sir invited Kuvempu for the 1957 Sahitya Sammelana held in Dharwad. Without their intervention, it would not have been possible to witness Kuvempu at the Sammelana,” he added.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and other eminent guests visited the hospital during his hospitalization.
Kanavi was born on June 28, 1928, in Hombal village in Gadag district, while his education and career shaped in Dharwad. He is survived by five children.
Among Kanavi’s writings, Jeeva Dhwani Maduchandra, Nanna Desha Nanna Jana, Sahitya Chintana, Samatholana among others are very popular and have inspired literature lovers.
Numerous awards including Sahitya Akademi, Rajyotsava award, Maasti award and Doctorates by various universities have been presented to Kanavi for his work.
Photo Caption
Writer Chennaveer Kanavi and Chandrakanth Bellad at Sahitya Sammelana in Dharwad- Express
Poet Chennaveer Kanavi and his wife late Shanta Kanavi during voting in Dharwad few years ago
