Hundreds of people, including elected representatives, paid their respects to Na. D’Souza, noted novelist, in Sagar on Monday. He passed away in a hospital in Mangaluru on Sunday.
Moral remains of the writer were brought to Sagar, his home town, on Monday. His body was kept for the relatives and the public to pay homage, it was close to his residence at Nehru Nagar in Sagar town. Many people, particularly those who had read his novels, residents of Sagar stood in queues and paid homage to the writer.
D’Souza, 87, has penned many novels and short stories that deal with the issues concerning the people of the Malenadu, including those who were displaced due to the construction of dams.
Sagar MLA Belur Gopala Krishna said the writer brought fame to Sagar through his writings. “Besides creative literature, he was actively involved in movements on the issues concerned to Sagar and Malenadu. Decades ago he took part in the protests seeking railway facilities. Similarly, he raised his voice against projects that could affect forests. We have lost a noble soul,” he said.
Shivamogga Lok Sabha member B.Y. Raghavendra visited Sagar and paid homage to the writer. “His literature was centred around the nature and the lives of Malenadu. He not only restricted himself to writing but also hit the streets whenever required. I have interacted with him many times, and his work has influenced me,” said Raghavendra.
Shivamogga MLA S.N. Channabasappa said he was highly impressed by D’Souza’s simplicity and commitment to conserving nature. “I have participated in many programmes with him. His personality is worth emulating. His death is a huge loss to the Malenadu,” he said.
Raitha Sangha leader K.T. Gangadhar recalled that D’Souza through his novels, narrated the sufferings of tenant farmers and the people, who were submerged due to the dam projects.
Police honours
The State government, on Monday, issued an order stating that the final rites of the writer would be conducted with police honours.
The mortal remains will be kept at Gandhi Maidan in Sagar between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and the last rites will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in the town.
Published – January 06, 2025 08:23 pm IST