Hubli (Karnataka): Veteran journalist and former Rajya Sabha member Patil Puttappa breathed his last at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) hospital in Hubli on Monday.
He was 99.
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He is survived by son Ashok and two daughters Manjula and Shailaja.
He was admitted at KIMS for old age complications.
A team of doctors conducted a successful surgery and removed blood clots in the brain about two weeks ago.
Born on January 14, 1921, he studied at Karnatak College, Dharwad, in 1942, he was rusticated for participating in the freedom movement. He obtained a degree in Law in 1954 in Belagavi and master’s degree in Journalism from California State University in 1949.
Puttappa was a Rajya Sabha member from 1962 to 1974.
He drew the attention of the entire Karnataka by leading the Gokak movement in 1982.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed his grief over the demise of the veteran scribe.
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"Patil Puttappa was at the forefront of the freedom struggle. He was a popular writer, journalist and a hardcore Kannada activist. Well known as 'Papu', he is the founder-editor of weekly Prapancha and also edited Navayuga. He also wrote columns in various dailies," the Chief Minister stated.
His contribution to the society is commendable, Yediyurappa said.
(Inputs from ANI)
